Advocacy Team
All Stations Accessibility Program Act of 2021
New federal bill would make public transit more accessible
Access Living friends and allies:
This week, we’re excited to share that a new bill about improving public transportation accessibility is before Congress. The All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) Act of 2021 would establish a federal grant program to support legacy transit and commuter rail authorities to upgrade existing stations to meet or exceed accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The members of Congress who are leading the introduction are U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (Illinois), Sherrod Brown (Ohio) and Bob Casey (Pennsylvania), and U.S Representatives Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and Marie Newman, both of Illinois.
The ASAP Act grew out of discussions based on the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) ASAP Strategic Plan. This is the plan governing the CTA’s efforts to make the entire system accessible. However, while having a plan is good, the funds to carry out the plan have been lacking. This is true not just for Chicago but for public transportation systems across the nation. Thus, members of Congress are aiming to make sure the money can come through.
Please share about the ASAP Act with your members of Congress: Here is a quick link to send an email. The legislation is supported by the City of Chicago, Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, Access Living, The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Transportation Task Force and the Transportation Equity Caucus. However, this is a national bill and we need your help contacting every member of Congress about this important opportunity for grants to improve public transportation.
Here is the link to the Senate press release on the ASAP Act.
Here is the link to the House press release on the ASAP Act.
Please share this important update with fellow disability advocates nationwide!