Duckworth, McCormick Lead Bipartisan Push to Renew ASAP Program Helping Make Transit Accessible for All

Duckworth, McCormick Lead Bipartisan Push to Renew ASAP Program Helping Make Transit Accessible for All

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Ahead of the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) today introduced bipartisan legislation to renew the All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP)-a program Duckworth championed in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-that is helping make public transit stations across the nation more accessible and inclusive for all Americans, including people with disabilities. Building on the progress made possible by Senator Duckworth's program, today's bipartisan legislation would reauthorize the first-ever grant program dedicated to improving accessibility at public transit stations, including elevator installations, ramps and accessible wayfinding, among other upgrades that make travel easier for Americans of all abilities and backgrounds. Companion legislation is being led in the House by Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (D-IL-04) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01).

"For the last 5 years, the All Stations Accessibility Program has helped make our nation's transit systems more accessible for all Americans," said Duckworth. "Everyone benefits from more ramps, elevators and accessibility upgrades-and it's long past time we help ensure Americans with disabilities don't have to fight so hard just to go about their daily lives. Now, as the program is set to expire at the end of September, Congress must take action to renew this funding and ensure the program can continue doing what it was designed to do: make our transit stations live up to the promise of the ADA."

"The All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) delivers federal transit dollars to a need that is too often overlooked: improving public transportation for those with disabilities," said McCormick. "This is especially important for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, home to legacy transit infrastructure in need of modernization. I'm proud to co-lead this legislation with Senator Duckworth."

Before Senator Duckworth's All Stations Accessibility Program was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, more than 900 transit stations across the country still lack basic ADA-compliant access, such as elevators, accessible pathways and platform upgrades. Further, electronic ticketing, kiosks, notification systems and signage and mobile apps remain inaccessible to people with disabilities. The demand for ASAP funding remains substantially higher than available resources. Investments through ASAP consistently demonstrate that accessibility improvements are not niche upgrades, they are system-level mobility enhancements benefiting millions of riders and strengthening the economic and social fabric of communities.

Because of ASAP, Illinois received $185 million in funding for job creating Chicago Transit Authority and Metra projects to build ramps, install elevators and make other improvements to make the region's public bus and rail system accessible.

Because of Senator Duckworth's ASAP, the following transit stations have been awarded funding to improve accessibility, including:

• Chicago Transit Authority, Blue Line Stations: $118.5 million to modernize the Irving Park, Belmont and Pulaski stations to make them fully ADA accessible and provide safe and convenient travel for millions of riders each year.
• Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, Station Improvements: $56 million to install elevators and ramps, upgrade general stations, and make path of travel improvements at the 11th Street subway station and Snyder station.
• City of Seattle, Seattle Center Monorail Station: $15 million to make the Seattle Center Monorail Station fully ADA accessible, including installing ramps, making path of travel improvements for individuals with mobility devices and other station upgrades.
• Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Station Upgrades: $254.5 million to make its Myrtle Avenue, Norwood Avenue and Avenue I subway stations in Brooklyn and the Burnside Avenue subway station in the Bronx fully ADA accessible, allowing safe and convenient travel to and through the stations.
• Maryland Department of Transportation/Maryland Transit Administration, Martin Airport station: $7.1 million to develop plans and complete environmental work for the future renovation of the Martin Airport station on its Penn commuter rail line to make it safer and fully accessible. The station, located north of Baltimore, requires riders to cross multiple tracks to board the train.
• Connecticut Department of Transportation, Metro-North Railroad Waterbury Branch: $29.6 million to retrofit three stations on its Metro-North Railroad Waterbury Branch commuter rail line, which provides service to New York City, to make them fully accessible to passengers with disabilities. Improvements to the century-old stations include building a high-level rail platform and installing handrails, which will provide more equitable service and increase access to jobs.
• Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Green Line Improvements: $66.6 million to upgrade station platforms at 14 stops along the Green Line's light rail B and C branches that are not accessible to riders with disabilities.
• Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, Blue Line Improvements: $16 million to make the entire Blue Line accessible for people with disabilities.

This legislation is supported by: Access Living, AARP, American Council of the Blind, Access Ready Inc, American Association of People with Disabilities, American Foundation for the Blind, Chicago Transit Authority, Cure SMA, Disability Belongs, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, Easterseals, Epilepsy Foundation of America, Metra, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Council on Independent Living, National Disability Rights Network, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, Pittsburgh Regional Transit, SMART Transportation Division Illinois Legislative Board, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and United Spinal Association.

Full text of the ASAP Reauthorization Act is available on the Senator's website.

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