People with Disabilities, Older Adults Learn How to Use Public Transport

Submitted by the Regional Transportation Authority.

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace join the more than 56 million Americans with disabilities in celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The law, signed by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990, ensures the civil rights of people with disabilities.

The legislation established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities and has expanded opportunities for people with disabilities including the provision of accessible public transportation services that help to eliminate barriers and enable full participation in community life.

The RTA Travel Training programs served more than 4,000 people with disabilities and older adults in 2014, teaching them how to use public transportation. For more information about this RTA program, visit the RTA website.

“I live in Forest Park and the take Pace buses regularly,” says Elaine B., a rider with a disability who completed the RTA Travel Training Program. “Riding our region’s transit system allows me to travel to the places I need to go and more fully enjoy my life.”

The RTA program offers training tailored to meet each participant’s need, including individual and group training sessions.

In addition, the RTA, CTA, Metra and Pace offer various programs that assist qualified riders in lowering their cost to ride transit. Reduced and free fares are available to seniors, persons with disabilities, Medicare card holders, and military personnel. For more information, visit the RTA website.

The RTA has produced a new video to highlight the accessibility features of the transit system.