Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is allocating billions towards accessibility initiatives, emphasizing their positive impact.

In recent years, the Department of Transportation has dedicated significant funding, including $5 billion for airport upgrades and $1 billion for rail transit accessibility, aimed at making transportation systems friendlier to individuals with disabilities. In a discussion with YSL News, Buttigieg highlighted that these enhancements are a key focus for his department, acknowledging that more effort is required to achieve true equity in access.

As the Paralympics are about to begin in Paris, the DOT shared a video showcasing several new infrastructure developments funded by the department. Here’s an overview of the DOT’s initiatives and Buttigieg’s vision:

Is transportation in the US accessible?

The DOT’s own video candidly recognizes that there is still much work ahead.

In the opening of the video, Sen. Tammy Duckworth from Illinois and ex-Paralympic basketball player Matt Scott discuss how airline mishandling has damaged their wheelchairs numerous times.

According to the DOT, airlines mismanage approximately 1% to 1.5% of the mobility devices they transport, leading to around 11,527 damage reports in 2023.

In response, the DOT proposed a new regulation in February that would impose stricter penalties on airlines for damaging wheelchairs.

“Many wheelchair users I know have endured air travel nightmares, and I’m convinced that better accountability could prevent many of these issues,” Buttigieg told YSL News. “It’s about ensuring proper practices, procedures, and policies are in place.”

Buttigieg also pointed out that accessibility issues extend beyond air travel. Much of the rail infrastructure in the country was established before the Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted, so retrofitting isn’t a requirement.

“This poses a significant challenge for those relying on public transit,” Buttigieg added. “Transit agencies often want to improve accessibility, but they simply lack the necessary funding.”

In the DOT’s video, Duckworth expressed that she avoids using Chicago’s L transit system due to many stations being inaccessible.

How is the DOT enhancing transportation accessibility?

Buttigieg noted that the DOT is focused on enhancing accessibility by funding additional projects and increasing penalties for transportation providers that violate regulations.

“A significant aspect of this effort involves establishing new standards for safe and respectful assistance. This includes training for staff and handling incidents appropriately,” he explained.

The proposed aviation rule would also impose higher financial penalties on airlines for mishandling mobility devices of disabled passengers. The DOT is currently reviewing feedback regarding this proposed regulation and aims to finalize it soon.

“This rule would clarify that mishandling a mobility device is automatically a violation of the Air Carrier Access Act,” Buttigieg stated. The ACAA is distinct from the ADA and pertains to air travel accessibility. “With this financial accountability in place, it will significantly enhance airlines’ training programs as they have more to risk regarding proper handling procedures.”

The DOT is also striving to provide more funding and resources to various communities to improve the accessibility of their roadways and pedestrian facilities.

What comes next?

Buttigieg acknowledges the ongoing challenges ahead but remains hopeful that current initiatives will pave the way for future improvements in accessibility. However, depending on the results of the November 2024 presidential election, transportation accessibility priorities may change in the new year.

“Securing funding is just the beginning; ensuring successful construction is another hurdle.. We are moving forward into a phase focused on the actual construction and completion of projects, not merely announcing funding,” he stated. “As we consider our next steps with the expiration of current infrastructure law in 2026, ”

highlighted the importance of making accessibility a key focus in discussions surrounding the upcoming infrastructure package.