Although Tel-Law information is periodically reviewed, it is important for you to realize that changes may occur in this area of law. This information is not intended to be legal advice regarding your particular problem, and it is not intended to replace the work of an attorney.

If you do not have an attorney, the Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service can help you. Online Lawyer Referral Service information and a fill-in form is available. Or you may contact the service by phone: The number to call from the Portland area is 503-684-3763 or toll-free from anywhere else in Oregon, 1-800-452-7636.

The following information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act - Transportation is brought to you as a public service by the lawyers of the State of Oregon. The material presented is general legal information intended to alert you to possible legal problems and solutions.

Transportation provided by a public entity shall make sure that no qualified individual with a disability shall be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subject to discrimination by any such entity because of the disability.

Newly purchased and leased bus and rail vehicles must be fully accessible for publicly funded systems. This requirement went into effect in 1990.

Public transportation authorities must provide service to individuals who cannot use fixed route systems through programs such as Tri-Met's LIFT system, unless it would pose an "undue financial burden." Service must be comparable to that provided on public bus and train routes.

All demand response service that is provided to the general public and privately funded fixed route service must purchase only accessible vehicles, unless, in the case of the demand response service, it can be demonstrated that the service is accessible when viewed in its entirety.

New over-the-road coaches must be accessible.

New bus and rail facilities must be accessible. In altered facilities, the altered area must be accessible to the maximum extent feasible. Existing facilities must be accessible when viewed in their entirety. Under the ADA, new vehicles purchased for rail transportation must be accessible. One car per train must be accessible. Key rail stations generally must be accessible, but some stations have an exemption from coverage of the law until as late as 2020. All Amtrack stations must be accessible by the year 2010.

 

This information is from the Oregon State Bar's Tel-law service, a collection of recorded legal information messages prepared by the lawyers of Oregon. In addition to being online, the Tel-law service is accessible by telephone at 503-620-3000 or toll-free in Oregon only, 1-800-452-4776. A touch tone phone allows direct access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To receive a free Tel-law brochure listing the subjects available call 503-620-0222, ext. 0.