Guide to the ADA Standards

What distinguishes passenger loading zones from bus loading zones?

Requirements for passenger loading zones (§209.2.1) apply to any passenger loading areas except those that exclusively serve buses providing designated or specified public transportation as defined by DOT’s ADA regulations, including charter service, which are subject to criteria for bus loading zones (§209.2.2) or on-street-bus stops (§209.2.3). For example, at an airport, passenger drop-off and pick-up areas serving cars, taxis, limousines, vans, and other vehicles are treated as passenger loading zones, while stops exclusively serving public transit buses, hotel buses, and other types of buses providing designated or specified public transportation must meet criteria for bus loading zones.