A4A COMMENTS ON DRAFT STRATEGIC PLAN ON ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION

March 15, 2021

On February 16, 2021, Airlines for America submitted a comment, available here, on DOT’s Draft Strategic Plan on Accessible Transportation, a guide for DOT’s efforts to create a transportation system that is inclusive of people with disabilities.  The strategic plan sets out DOT’s goals and objectives for FY 2021-2025, and outlines DOT’s principles of removing barriers to accessibility in transportation.  DOT’s strategic plan includes five primary goals:

• Goal 1: Remove unnecessary barriers for people with disabilities to seek licensure for, operate, and/or ride in passenger and commercial motor vehicles.

• Goal 2: Remove unnecessary barriers to multimodal accessibility of public rights-of-way.

• Goal 3: Enhance opportunities for people with disabilities to walk, roll, cycle, and use micromobility services and other innovative mobility technologies to the greatest extent possible.

• Goal 4: Support the Nation’s public transit systems and mobility providers in providing

• accessibility for people with disabilities.

• Goal 5: Advance accessible air, motorcoach, and rail intercity transportation systems for people with disabilities

A4A’s comment strongly supported the strategic plan, stating that it is “critical that all stakeholders collaborate to identify barriers and take steps to improve air travel accessibility”.  A4A specifically encouraged DOT to take action on the final resolutions of the 2016 Accessible Air Transportation Advisory Committee, which included accessible lavatory requirements for single aisle aircraft.  A4A further supported DOT’s strategies for: i) speedy investigation of disability complaints; ii) promoting passenger outreach and education; and iii) improving guidance and regulation. 

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Authors

Evelyn D. Sahr

Member - Washington, D.C.

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Drew M. Derco

Member - Washington, D.C.

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Andrew P. Orr

Member - Washington, D.C.

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