Remarks by Secretary Slater at the Announcement of the Over-the-Road Buses Final Rule |
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Rodney E. Slater, United States Secretary of Transportation
September 24, 1998
STATEMENT BY
SECRETARY RODNEY E. SLATER
AT THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE
OVER-THE-ROAD BUSES FINAL RULE
SEPTEMBER 24, 1998
WASHINGTON, DC
The Department of Transportation's strategic intent is that our transportation system for the 21st century be international in reach, intermodal in form, intelligent in character and inclusive in service. One out of five Americans is disabled. Achieving the high standard of accessibility we announce today will move us significantly closer to that goal.
Under President Clinton’s leadership, more Americans than ever are enjoying the fruits of economic prosperity. We have the lowest unemployment in 24 years, the lowest core inflation in 30 years and more than 16 million new jobs. As America continues to grow and prosper, it would be unfair to leave anyone behind, especially someone in a wheelchair at a bus stop.
With today’s action, the Clinton-Gore Administration has moved decisively to eliminate this possibility and makes good on the President’s 1992 pledge that the Clinton/Gore Administration’s disability policy would be based on Athree simple principles: inclusion, independence and empowerment."
When today's decision is
fully implemented passengers with disabilities
will no longer have make advance arrangements to travel on
regularly scheduled runs of major intercity bus lines, such as
Greyhound. The intention is that every bus in every major fleet
be fully accessible every day at every stop.
Over-the-road, intercity buses are a vital link in America’s transportation system, especially for low-income people and rural families, many of whom are disabled. For many Americans, intercity buses are the only means of long-distance travel they can afford. In countless small towns they are the only available means of transportation, apart from automobiles.
Yet for many of the 50 million Americans who are disabled, driving is not an option. For these citizens, safe and dignified access to intercity buses is absolutely essential for mobility and quality of life. Two out of three working age Americans with disabilities are unemployed and families with disabled members are among the poorest in the nation. When we say, transportation is about more than concrete, asphalt and steel, we are talking about real people who have been excluded from our common life.
We are proud of this rule. It sets a reasonable timetable. Expensive retrofitting of existing rolling stock is not required. Yet, as new buses replace old ones, the entire fleet operated by major carriers will gradually become accessible. I am heartened in this regard by Greyhound s recent decision to purchase 80 wheelchair accessible buses, but let me be very clear that, in order to fully enact the law, our requirement will go beyond that.
The rule also takes into account the significant differences between major intercity carriers and smaller companies, primarily by allowing these carriers more flexibility. The Clinton-Gore Administration calls these provisions common sense government.
Today’s decision will favorably impact the lives of millions of American families. As I said at the beginning of my remarks, one out of five Americans is disabled. With today's announcement, The Bus is Now Boarding, will truly mean, Now Boarding Everyone.
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Source: U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)