Data for the Public Transit Disability Dashboard was abstracted from February through March of 2022. This dashboard assesses the top 100 public transit systems based on federal funding in fiscal year 2020 which were identified using the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) National Transit Database. The 100 public transit systems assessed on the dashboard represent 89% of all passenger miles traveled in the United States in 2020.
The Public Transit Scores page includes a summary of this project and key results. Public transit resources for people with disabilities and the source websites for these analyses are listed on the Public Transit Source Links page.
Data used for Public Transit Disability Dashboard was scored across six areas, based on key principles of universal design and accessibility:
- Facility accessibility (20 points maximum): Total number of facility accessibility features (e.g., wayfinding signs, hearing loops) listed on each public transit system’s website. Updated scoring system was used to combine certain categories to avoid penalizing modes for lacking non-applicable features (e.g., elevators for buses). Updated categories include (1) supports for elevation changes – 1 point for the inclusion of elevators, escalators, or ramps at the facility (2) audio/visual information – 1 point for the inclusion of audio announcements in the facility, visual information at the facility, or audio/visual information on the exterior of the bus. One point was assigned for each accessibility feature, and points were averaged across each transit mode (e.g., bus, heavy rail). Mode-specific averages were summed to create a facility accessibility score.
- Vehicle accessibility (10 points maximum): The total number of vehicle accessibility features (e.g., on-board audio announcements, securement devices) listed on each public transit system’s website. Updated scoring system was used to combine certain categories to avoid penalizing modes for lacking non-applicable features (e.g., lower body entrance for heavy rail). The updated category reflects (1) boarding assistance – 1 point for the inclusion of lower body entrance or gap reducers available on the vehicle. One point was assigned for each accessibility feature, points were averaged across each transit mode (e.g., bus, heavy rail). Mode-specific averages were summed to create a vehicle accessibility score.
- Inclusive policies of public transit systems (12 points maximum): The public transit system’s solicitation of feedback from the public and number of modalities available for submitting feedback. One point was assigned for each participation opportunity (e.g., listing ADA coordinator, public participation opportunities) and then summed to create an inclusive policies score.
- Rider accommodations (9 points maximum): The public transit system accommodation request system (e.g., modes to submit an accommodation, updates if the system was in working order). One point was assigned for each accessibility feature and then summed to create a rider accommodations score.
- Paratransit service (6 points maximum): Paratransit service information listed on the public transit website. Points were assigned for the availability of information about eligibility criteria, hours of operation, and ride reservations and then summed to create a paratransit service score.
- Virtual accessibility pf public transit website (3 points maximum): Automated accessibility assessment score and a high-level manual accessibility assessment score of the public transit website. These data were normalized to the WebAIM Million sample of one million homepages and categorized into tertiles to create a virtual accessibility score. The lowest tertile (values at or below 3.3) received 0 points, the middle tertile (values above 3.3 and at or below 6.7) received 1 point, and the highest tertile (values above 6.7) received 2 points.
The total public transit score was calculated as the sum of the sub-scores across all six areas outlined above. A total of 62 points was possible. All scores have been rounded to the nearest whole number. Once rounded, the scores were ranked from highest to lowest based on their rounded values. Higher scores indicate more accessible public transit websites and more disability-inclusive public transit information and processes.
Figure 2. Facility Accessibility of Public Transit System Websites Scores, 2022
Figure 3. Vehicle Accessibility of Public Transit System Websites Scores, 2022
Figure 4. Inclusive Policies of Public Transit System Websites Scores, 2022
Figure 5. Rider Accommodations of Public Transit System Websites Scores, 2022
Figure 6. Paratransit Services of Public Transit System Websites Scores, 2022
Figure 7. Website Accessibility of Public Transit System Websites Scores, 2022
Limitations:
Transit website information does not capture lived experience. These scores represent data collected from public transit websites, as this is the information available to potential users. However, there are likely additional barriers on public transit systems not captured by these data. For example, if an elevator is listed as available on a website we were unable to assess if it was in good, working condition. Information provided on public transit websites does not represent the true experience of people using the system. Nevertheless, websites are a primary source of information about public transit systems and are important for information access.
The information presented is limited in scope. These data do not assess every aspect of disability inclusion, and a favorable score does not ensure an inclusive public transit experience. The information provided can be used to identify areas for improvement, track progress, and capture accessibility information shared with the public. Additional data is needed to understand the full picture of disability inclusion and accessibility for public transit users.
Not all public transit systems are included. This project only evaluated 100 public transit systems in the United States, which account for 89% of all passenger miles traveled in the United States in 2020. The 100 public transit systems were chosen because they received the most federal funding in 2020. Accepting funding from the federal government requires that equal access is available to people with disabilities.
Website links change over time. Public transit websites and information included on these websites likely change over time. Websites that were scored previously may no longer be available if the website link has been changed.