[IL-Talk] comments sought on new ADA guidelines for public transit

[Kelly Pierce]

The United States Department of Transportation is soliciting comments
about updating ADA accessibility guidelines for public transportation.
Specifically, the DOT is looking for feedback about access to
information displayed on electronic signs in stations. Feedback is
also sought about effective ways of wayfinding for blind persons in
bus and rail stations.  DOT is aware of smart phone apps that track
Bluetooth beacons but wants to know the end user perspective on the
effectiveness of these technologies.  General feedback is also welcome
about access barriers and solutions in transit.  The current
guidelines could use an update on fare machine regulations, as much
more is possible now than when the guidelines were created in 2004.
Also, nothing is said about accessible websites and mobile
applications, even though the DOT through the Federal Aviation
Administration created specific mandates for airlines in the 2010s on
airport kiosks and digital accessibility. For solutions, Chicago has a
few efforts that are notable.  These include the Braille signs
identifying bus stops and the audible track location identifiers at
Metra.

Does anyone know if national is developing comments as well?  If
Chicago chapter or Illinois affiliate members are interested in
working on this and bouncing around some ideas, please reply or
otherwise let me know.  Comments are due in early January so the
timeframe is short.

Kelly