Our thanks to you and your committee for the opportunity to deliver our comments concerning the transportation issues contained in this important legislation. The Americans with Disabilities Act has the potential of freeing persons with disabilities from constraints that now limit employment and full participation in their communities. Fully accessible transportation is an essential link to all other community services and activities.

We ask you to examine the highly successful METRO transit system which has over a decade of experience in providing accessible mainline transit service. The community of persons with disabilities is well served at a much lower cost per rider than other transportation options. The cornerstone upon which this service is built, is a fleet of coaches fully equipped with lifts. The other essential ingredient is special service options for those persons who cannot use a fixed route service.

The version of the bill that has passed the Senate by an overwhelming margin and which is supported by the Administraton, would go a long way toward providing equal and integrated transportation services, without undue hardship on the part of pub and private sector business. We urge you to recommend this rsion of the hill for House vote.

We now have available technology that is reliable and affordable, that will make both transit and intra-city transportation services accessible. We hope Congress has the will to make this dream a reality for our millions of disabled citizens.