§12181 Definitions

Summary

Defines key words used in this part of the law. Commerce means moving people, goods, or information across state lines, between a state and a foreign country or territory, or between two places in the same state when the trip goes through another state or foreign country. Commercial facilities are nonresidential places whose work affects commerce, but do not include certain railroad cars, rights-of-way, or places covered or exempted by the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.). Demand responsive system is on‑demand passenger transport by vehicle (not a fixed route). Fixed route system is passenger transport (not by aircraft) that runs on a set route and schedule. Over‑the‑road bus is a bus with a raised passenger area above a baggage compartment. Private entity means any entity that is not a public entity (see section 12131(1)). Rail and railroad have the meaning given in title 49, section 20102(1). Public accommodation covers 12 types of private businesses if their operations affect commerce, including places for lodging, food and drink, entertainment, stores and sales, service businesses and professional offices, transportation stations, museums and parks, schools, social service centers, and places for exercise or recreation. Readily achievable means something that can be done easily and without much difficulty or expense; deciding this looks at the nature and cost of the change, the facility’s and covered entity’s money and size, number and location of facilities, effect on operations and workforce. Specified public transportation means bus, rail, or other non‑air vehicles that provide regular public service (including charters). Vehicle does not include rail passenger cars, railroad locomotives, freight cars, cabooses, or the railroad car described in section 12162 or otherwise covered under this subchapter.