ADA Frequently Asked Questions Knowledge Base - Transportation

Yes, this is a violation of the ADA. Taxicab companies may not refuse to provide services to individuals with disabilities. Private taxicab companies are also prohibited from charging higher fares or fees for transporting individuals with disabilities and their service animals than they charge to other persons for the same service.  The owner must have the service animal under control and the animal must be housebroken.

A person traveling with a service animal:

• cannot be denied access to transportation, even if there is a “no pets” policy
• cannot be forced to sit in a particular spot
• does not have to provide advance notice that he or she will be traveling with a service animal 

These laws apply to both public and private transportation providers and include subways, fixed route buses, paratransit, rail and light rail, taxicabs, shuttles and limousine services.

For additional information, take a look at the following resources:

FAQ: What if a service animal barks or growls at other people, or otherwise acts out of control?

FAQ: Am I responsible for the animal while the person with a disability is in my business?

Service Animal Resource Hub

Discrimination by air carriers in areas other than employment is not covered by the ADA but rather by the Air Carrier Access Act (49 U.S.C. 1374 (c)).

For additional information, take a look at the following resources:

Passengers with Disabilities – About the Air Carriers Access Act Source: U. S. Department of Transportation

Air Carrier Accscess Act

Flying with a Service Animal

The Department of Transportation has issued regulations mandating accessible public transit vehicles and facilities. The regulations include requirements that all new fixed-route, public transit buses be accessible and that supplementary paratransit services be provided for those individuals with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route bus service.

49 CFR Part 38 – Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Specifications for Transportation Vehicles
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/part-38
49 CFR Part 37-Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities (ADA)
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/part-37

For additional information, take a look at the following resources:

Traveling with a Service Animal