§12185 Study

Summary

The Office of Technology Assessment must study how people with disabilities can use over‑the‑road (long‑distance) buses and how to provide that access in the most cost‑effective way, especially for people who use wheelchairs and for all kinds of boarding methods. The study must look at expected demand, how easy current buses and services are to use (including services required by other parts of the law), how well different accessibility methods work, the costs (including recent tech and cost‑saving devices), possible design changes like adding accessible restrooms without losing seats, and how accessibility rules might affect continuing bus service—especially in rural areas. The Office must form an advisory committee with bus operators and makers, people with disabilities (especially wheelchair users), and technical experts (like makers of boarding equipment). A draft must be given to the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board for comment, and any written comments sent within 120 days must be included in the final report. The final study and recommendations go to the President and Congress within 36 months after July 26, 1990. If the President finds meeting certain regulation deadlines would greatly cut intercity bus service, he must extend each such deadline by one year.