§12147 Alterations of Existing Facilities

Summary

Public agencies must make changes to existing public transit facilities so the changed parts are accessible to people with disabilities, including people who use wheelchairs, as much as possible when the work is finished. If the work affects a main area of the facility, the agency must also make the route to that area and the restrooms, phones, and drinking fountains that serve it accessible, unless doing so would be too disproportionate in cost or scope as decided by the Attorney General. Transit providers must also make key stations in rapid rail and light rail systems accessible. The Secretary defines which stations are "key." Those stations had to be made accessible as soon as possible but no later than the last day of the 3-year period beginning on July 26, 1990. The Secretary can extend that deadline up to 30 years for stations needing very expensive reconstruction, but by the last day of the 20th year after July 26, 1990, at least two-thirds of such stations must be accessible. The agency must give the Secretary a compliance plan that includes input from people with disabilities, public hearings and comments, and milestones for meeting these requirements.