WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Think DIFFERENTLY Transportation Act introduced by U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro passed the House of Representatives Tuesday, his office announced this week.
The act urges Amtrak to upgrade the accessibility of its trains and rail stations, making them compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Molinaro, R-Catskill, represents the 19th Congressional District.
The Think DIFFERENTLY Transportation Act would direct Amtrak to issue a report to Congress on its ADA compliance and it requires the agency to set a deadline for when the required upgrades would be completed, the announcement said.
Following the passage of the ADA in 1990, a 20-year timeframe was set to make rail stations accessible for those with disabilities, the announcement said, adding that Amtrak received $275 million in federal funding to upgrade its accessibility between 2017 and 2021. However, only 30% of its 385 stations nationwide are deemed as “accessible” by ADA standards, Molinaro’s office said.
“My bipartisan bill forces their hand to ensure all trains and stations are accessible for individuals with disabilities,” Molinaro said in a prepared statement.