Written on behalf of the TTA Board and members -
Today, on July 26, 2020, we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA created civil rights protections for disabled Americans. It prohibits discrimination against the disabled in public life, including schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The Tarrant Transit Alliance would like to join in on this celebration of equity and inclusion with our continued commitment to pursuing Social Justice through our advocacy and dedication to equitable transit in Tarrant County.
Roughly 10% of the Tarrant County population is disabled. We know that the multi-modal transit network provided by Trinity Metro and other private and charitable organizations provide a vital lifeline to this community. In the US, 24 million individuals with disabilities use public transit to maintain their independence and participate fully in society.
Thirty years after the ADA's adoption, there is still much work to be done when it comes to accessible transit. According to the United Way, transportation access is one of the top 5 identified issues in Tarrant County. The barriers to the transportation system we experience are even worse for the differently-abled who rely on this system. From impassable roads and sidewalks to transit stops to poor signage and inconsistent service, we must urge our providers and community leaders to do better. We must meet the needs of EVERYONE in our community. To do this, our leaders must act not only with rules and regulations but make actual financial investments that ensure an equitable system.
Last month, the Tarrant Transit Alliance dedicated itself to applying an equity lens to our board and programming to ensure equal representation, and actively working to better engage in inclusive public outreach. There is still much we can learn and do better, but we will continue to make the space to listen, learn and support opportunities for change within our coalition, at the community level, and in the public sector.
Andre McEwing
Chairman
Tarrant Transit Alliance
Rachel Albright
President
Tarrant Transit Alliance