Credit: ADA National Network (adata.org)

On July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act. The passing of the ADA marked a historical day for the ADA community, ensuring that individuals with disabilities would have the same protective rights outlined in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Thanks to the ADA, Metro has incorporated the following accessibility components on our system:

• Braille signs with tactile raised lettering
• Detectable warnings
• Boarding ramps on buses
• Web accessibility
• Reserved seating
• Securement areas for customers using mobility devices
• Automated voice announcements
• Accessible entrances at all stations
• Access Services – Complimentary paratransit service

But that’s not all. We do our best to go above and beyond the accessibility requirements of the ADA to ensure that our service is fully accessible to everyone. Metro retired our last high-floor bus in 2014, and our entire bus fleet is comprised of low-floor buses with wider ramps and entry doors, as well as wider space at the fare box for better maneuvering for customers who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Other accessibility features include:

• Texturized stanchions for people with visual impairments to detect reserved seating areas.
• Hands-free equipment located at fare gates.
  • Kick plate activation at Emergency telephones, Passenger Information and Gate Access telephones.
  • Automatic gate arms at station crossings.
  • New elevators with kick plate activation.
• ADA Tactile pathways for blind/visually impaired customers at stations.
• New customer information panels with touch screens and adjustable screen access.
• Metro is also currently exploring innovative wayfinding solutions for our customers visual impairments.

Metro remains committed to providing individuals with disabilities full and equal access to all of our transportation services. We encourage you to learn more about our services and our Accessibility Advisory Committee here.

Detectable warnings at El Monte Station.

Our intercoms have hands-free activation capability.

Braille sign with tactile raised lettering at Sierra Madre Villa Station. Photos: Adrian Hernandez/Metro.