TCDD Position Statement: Public Transportation Systems
Position Statements
Within our society, freedom of movement is a fundamental right; however, it remains a largely unfulfilled promise for citizens with disabilities. Transportation is essential to any effort to enable all citizens to live as independently as they choose, to engage in productive self-sustaining activity, to participate in all facets of community life, and to be fully integrated in their communities. A transportation system should be a seamlessly connected network with a pedestrian infrastructure linked to all modes of public transportation including taxi services, bus, light rail, trains and airplanes as well as cars and bicycles. A public transportation system must meet the needs of citizens in an accessible and affordable manner.
The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities supports the position that all publicly funded and/or regulated transportation service systems must be:
- seamlessly coordinated at state, federal and local levels among all modes of transportation;
- expanded in suburban, urban, rural and unincorporated areas to connect places people live with places they work, shop, socialize, worship, attend school, access health care, etc.; and
- be fully accessible to all people with disabilities.
The Council advocates for people with disabilities to be actively represented on boards and advisory groups for both public and private entities that oversee or provide transportation services.
The Council will continue to work collaboratively with partners such as agencies representing seniors, people with disabilities and low income families, who share transportation concerns, to continue to seek solutions now and in the future.
Reviewed February 9, 2012
