49 CFR Parts 37 & 38 - Department of Transportation (DOT) ADA Regulations

§ 37.101 Purchase or lease of vehicles by private entities not primarily engaged in the business of transporting people.

[56 FR 45621, Sept. 6, 1991, as amended at 61 FR 25416, May 21, 1996]

(a) Application. This section applies to all purchases or leases of vehicles by private entities which are not primarily engaged in the business of transporting people, in which a solicitation for the vehicle is made after August 25, 1990.

(b) Fixed Route System. Vehicle Capacity Over 16. If the entity operates a fixed route system and purchases or leases a vehicle with a seating capacity of over 16 passengers (including the driver) for use on the system, it shall ensure that the vehicle is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs.

(c) Fixed Route System. Vehicle Capacity of 16 or Fewer. If the entity operates a fixed route system and purchases or leases a vehicle with a seating capacity of 16 or fewer passengers (including the driver) for use on the system, it shall ensure that the vehicle is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs, unless the system, when viewed in its entirety, meets the standard for equivalent service of §37.105 of this part.

(d) Demand Responsive System, Vehicle Capacity Over 16. If the entity operates a demand responsive system, and purchases or leases a vehicle with a seating capacity of over 16 passengers (including the driver) for use on the system, it shall ensure that the vehicle is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs, unless the system, when viewed in its entirety, meets the standard for equivalent service of §37.105 of this part.

(e) Demand Responsive System, Vehicle Capacity of 16 or Fewer. Entities providing demand responsive transportation covered under this section are not specifically required to ensure that new vehicles with seating capacity of 16 or fewer are accessible to individuals with wheelchairs. These entities are required to ensure that their systems, when viewed in their entirety, meet the equivalent service requirements of §§37.171 and 37.105, regardless of whether or not the entities purchase a new vehicle.