Ask Congress to Pass the ASAP Reauthorization Act

In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law to establish the right of people with disabilities to access public and private services, including public transportation. Under the ADA, public transit agencies are required to ensure that new vehicles and facilities include accessibility features such as ramps and lifts, while also making communication channels accessible to passengers of all abilities and available in alternative formats.

These requirements have helped millions of Americans with disabilities live more independent and successful lives by providing greater access to employment, education, leisure, and other essential activities. However, many public transit facilities built before the ADA, particularly in cities such as Chicago and Philadelphia, still lack the accessibility features necessary for people with disabilities to travel independently.

To address these longstanding barriers, Congress established the All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) in 2021 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program provides federal funding to states to make accessibility improvements at legacy public transit stations. These improvements include installing elevators and ramps, creating accessible pathways, and implementing accessible wayfinding measures, helping bring older transit stations closer to full compliance with the ADA.

The All Stations Accessibility Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 would continue this critical work. Reauthorizing ASAP would ensure that states have access to the federal funding necessary to build upon the progress made over the past five years and improve accessibility at hundreds of legacy transit stations across the country.

Investments through this reauthorization would help stations implement essential accessibility features, including elevators, accessible pathways, platform upgrades, electronic ticketing kiosks, notification systems, and accessible signage. These improvements would benefit millions of riders with and without disabilities across the United States and demonstrate that accessibility is not a luxury but an essential component of a transportation system that serves people of all abilities and backgrounds.

Dear [Lawmaker],

I urge you to support the All Stations Accessibility Program Reauthorization Act of 2026, S.5086. Reauthorizing this program would continue providing states with the federal funding needed to improve accessibility at legacy public transit stations through the work that began with the establishment of the ASAP Program in September 2021.

Without reauthorization, states will face continued challenges in improving accessibility at hundreds of stations in communities such as Chicago and Philadelphia that millions of people rely on every day. Investments in elevators, ramps, accessible pathways, wayfinding measures, electronic ticketing kiosks, notification systems, and signage would help ensure that public transportation remains a reliable and independent means of travel.

Accessible transportation is essential to participation in employment, education, healthcare, community life, and countless other activities. When people cannot access public transit, they face unnecessary barriers to fully participating in society. Improving the accessibility of legacy transit stations therefore benefits not only Americans with disabilities, but also older adults, families, travelers, and anyone who relies on accessible and dependable public transportation.

I urge you to support and pass the ASAP Reauthorization Act and continue removing transportation barriers for millions of Americans. Reauthorizing this program will help ensure that people with disabilities and all public transit riders have the opportunity to travel independently and participate fully in their communities.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
______

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