Right on Time – Public Transportation and Title II ADA Requirements for Websites
Title II of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requires that public entities, including public transportation services, bus and train operators to ensure that their services are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes digital content, such as websites.
EcomBack has written a guide with the goal of helping you navigate the complex world of Title II ADA web accessibility requirements.
What are the ADA Title II Requirements?
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has recently implemented new regulations under Title II of the ADA, which provides state and local government entities with specific technical requirements for achieving digital accessibility.
Transportation services must design their digital platforms, websites, and mobile apps, in a way that adheres to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), an internationally acknowledged set of guidelines for improving the accessibility of digital content for individuals with disabilities. The WCAG requires web content to be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust to help individuals with a range of disabilities (visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments) have equal access to online services.
Ensuring ADA compliance helps create a more inclusive transportation system for everyone. Websites often contain essential information such as schedules, routes, fare information, and real-time updates. An accessible website lets people with disabilities plan their trips effectively, as well as inform them about service changes, disruptions, or emergency notifications.
What type of transportation is required to be ADA-compliant?
Under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all public transportation entities are required to follow accessibility guidelines.
Here’s who is required to comply:
- Local and regional bus systems
- Subways and light rail services
- Metro transit
- Transit authorities
- State-level departments of transportation
- Federally funded transit programs
- Airport shuttles
- Public ferries
- And other publicly funded transportation services
What Does an ADA-Compliant Website Look Like?
Accessible websites are designed to work with various assistive technologies, such as screen readers and voice recognition software, ensuring compatibility with evolving technological tools.
For a public transportation website to be accessible to commuters with disabilities, it should have the following:
- For better readability, there should be suitable color contrast between text and background.
- Text alternatives on images provide descriptions for visually impaired users.
- Captions on videos assist users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Labels allow screen readers to convey necessary information to users.
- Opt for readable fonts that are easy to understand.
- Implement clear navigation, including keyboard navigation, to cater to users who may have difficulty using a computer mouse.
EcomBack Provides Expert Services to Comply with ADA Title II
Accessible websites for public transportation services are vital for ensuring equal access, improving user experience, complying with legal requirements, and fostering inclusivity. They play a crucial role in providing all individuals with the ability to use and benefit from using public buses, shuttles, trains, and other transportation.
At EcomBack, we are dedicated to making websites accessible to everyone. Our ADA consultants offer services such as manual audits, remediation, testing, and monitoring. Check out our website and get in touch with an ADA expert today.
