Think Differently Transportation Act

12/23/2024, 9:05 PM

Think Differently Transportation Act

This bill requires the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to include information on compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) in a required annual report to Congress.

Specifically, Amtrak must incorporate into the annual report an action plan for bringing Amtrak rail cars and stations into compliance with the ADA as required by a 2020 settlement agreement entered into between Amtrak and the Department of Justice. (Under the agreement, Amtrak committed to complying with the ADA and making intercity rail stations accessible.)

Amtrak must also include a status report on ADA compliance at Amtrak-served stations (based on a station assessment by Amtrak or the party responsible for ADA compliance).  A station assessment means a review of all components of a station, including the building, platform, path to train, and parking areas, as required by the U.S. Access Board. For those Amtrak-served stations where Amtrak is not responsible for ADA compliance, Amtrak must include in the report information on the responsible party.

Bill 118 s 4107, also known as the Think Differently Transportation Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to improve transportation infrastructure and services for individuals with disabilities.

The bill proposes several key provisions to achieve this goal. Firstly, it calls for the establishment of a task force to study and make recommendations on how to make transportation more accessible for individuals with disabilities. This task force would be composed of experts in the field and representatives from relevant government agencies.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to increase funding for transportation services specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. This funding would be used to improve existing services, as well as to develop new programs and initiatives to better meet the needs of this population. Furthermore, the bill aims to increase awareness and education around disability issues within the transportation sector. This includes training for transportation workers on how to interact with individuals with disabilities, as well as public awareness campaigns to promote inclusivity and accessibility. Overall, the Think Differently Transportation Act seeks to address the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing transportation services. By improving infrastructure, increasing funding, and raising awareness, this bill aims to create a more inclusive and accessible transportation system for all Americans.
Congress
118

Number
S - 4107

Introduced on
2024-04-11

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

8/1/2024

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Passed in Senate
To President

Purpose and Summary

Think Differently Transportation Act

This bill requires the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to include information on compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) in a required annual report to Congress.

Specifically, Amtrak must incorporate into the annual report an action plan for bringing Amtrak rail cars and stations into compliance with the ADA as required by a 2020 settlement agreement entered into between Amtrak and the Department of Justice. (Under the agreement, Amtrak committed to complying with the ADA and making intercity rail stations accessible.)

Amtrak must also include a status report on ADA compliance at Amtrak-served stations (based on a station assessment by Amtrak or the party responsible for ADA compliance).  A station assessment means a review of all components of a station, including the building, platform, path to train, and parking areas, as required by the U.S. Access Board. For those Amtrak-served stations where Amtrak is not responsible for ADA compliance, Amtrak must include in the report information on the responsible party.

Bill 118 s 4107, also known as the Think Differently Transportation Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to improve transportation infrastructure and services for individuals with disabilities.

The bill proposes several key provisions to achieve this goal. Firstly, it calls for the establishment of a task force to study and make recommendations on how to make transportation more accessible for individuals with disabilities. This task force would be composed of experts in the field and representatives from relevant government agencies.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to increase funding for transportation services specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. This funding would be used to improve existing services, as well as to develop new programs and initiatives to better meet the needs of this population. Furthermore, the bill aims to increase awareness and education around disability issues within the transportation sector. This includes training for transportation workers on how to interact with individuals with disabilities, as well as public awareness campaigns to promote inclusivity and accessibility. Overall, the Think Differently Transportation Act seeks to address the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing transportation services. By improving infrastructure, increasing funding, and raising awareness, this bill aims to create a more inclusive and accessible transportation system for all Americans.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to require Amtrak to report to Congress information on Amtrak compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 with respect to trains and stations.

Policy Areas
Transportation and Public Works

Potential Impact
Congressional oversight•
Disability and health-based discrimination•
Government corporations and government-sponsored enterprises•
National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)•
Railroads

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary6/4/2024

Think Differently Transportation Act

This bill requires the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to include information on compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) in a required annual re...


Latest Action12/23/2024
Presented to President.