Megabus settles accessibility violation with feds

Megabus  has agreed to pay $67,500 and improve its practices for dealing with passengers with disabilities in a settlement with the United States Department of Justice.

Megabus entered the Corridor market a year ago, serving Iowa City on a route connecting Chicago and Des Moines. It has served 86,000 passengers on the route in the last year, the company said Monday.

The company's practices came under  scrutiny after a wheelchair user  on a different route between New York and Baltimore complained that he was not permitted to use the ramp on a bus, and was instead forced to transfer out of his wheelchair rather than be secured in the wheelchair as required by federal regulations.

Megabus said it will provide refresher training to its employees and contractors regarding requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act.

In addition, Megabus said it plans  web site enhancements to provide a comprehensive online reservation system for individuals with disabilities. It plans to work with its vehicle manufacturer on improvements to enhance accessibility for those with disabilities.

The justice department said Megabus agreed to pay a $55,000 civil penalty to the government and $12,500 to the complainant who was not permitted to enter the bus in his wheelchair.

Title III of the ADA prohibits specified private transportation providers from excluding persons with disabilities, including those with mobility impairments from full and equal enjoyment of the services provided. The justice department has been investigating accessibility of private transportation operations for individuals with disabilities.

Megabus.com is a low-fare subsidiary of Coach USA. Since it was launched in April 2006, it has expanded to more than 60 cities from hubs in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C. and Toronto.