Universal Accessibility Study

The Universal Accessibility Study aims to provide RTA with a more detailed understanding of challenges riders face when using RTA’s system and identify solutions to these challenges. The study will include how to prioritize solutions to the gaps and challenges found, and where to look for funding to implement the solutions. The project is currently underway and is expected to be completed in early 2026.

Defining Universal Accessibility

We’re defining Universal Accessibility as: Ensuring all individuals, particularly those with disabilities, can navigate and use transit safely and with dignity.

The study will focus on the ADA community, people with various disabilities and other special needs passengers, including visual impairments, physical impairments, hearing, cognitive, etc. as well as specific populations known to be more vulnerable. This includes the aging community (people 65 and over), youth (under 18), those whose first language is not English, pregnant people, people traveling with small children/babies, those with low reading ability, people without digital access, and new and first-time transit users. We believe if the system works for the most venerable, it will improve the experience for everyone.

Accessibility is broken down into two main categories of the rider's experience — information and interaction.

Information is how riders (and future riders) get access to RTA information such as:
• When their usual route is on detour and what the detour is
• How riders know what time the streetcar is coming

Interaction is what the rider experiences when using the transit system, taking their trip. This includes things like::
• How a rider knows when they’re approaching their stop
• What’s the boarding experience like getting on and off the vehicle
• How a rider knows their para transit vehicle is outside
• And much more

How the study works

RTA is working with WSP, USA, The Villavaso Group, and The Hawthorne Agency, to make up the project team that supports the study. The study will focus on collecting data, researching best practices, and collecting public input.

How to participate

Public input will be a key component of the study. We look forward to hearing from the public by taking the project survey, giving feedback on your experience using our system and at two public meetings. Information on the meetings and surveys will be available through the website, RTA social media, the Le Pass app and other promotional efforts.

In addition to public input, the project team is working closely with a project advisory committee (PAC) made up of transit advocates, transit riders with disabilities, and organization leaders who work with people with disabilities and other target communities.