Priority Seating is for People with Disabilities and Older Adults

July 16, 2014

RTA Celebrates 24^th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

Chicago – The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) joins the more than 37 million Americans with disabilities in celebrating the 24^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The law, signed by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990, guarantees equal opportunity for people with disabilities in public accommodations, commercial facilities, employment, transportation, state and local government service and communications.

The region’s accessible transit system provides a vital link to community activities for people with disabilities and older adults.  A primary goal of the ADA legislation is to enable people with disabilities to have equal access to fixed route bus and rail service so that they can fully participate in daily life activities such as work, education, shopping, recreation and other trips most of us take for granted. 

A simple red, white and blue sign labeled “Priority Seating” appears on CTA, Pace and Metra vehicles throughout the RTA service area stating: “Priority Seating is for customers with disabilities and seniors.  Please move when requested.” Blue and white decals clearly mark specific priority seating areas and locations for people using wheelchairs.

“If you are sitting in a priority seating area, please offer your seat to someone who needs it when they board the bus or train,” says RTA Acting Executive Director Leanne Redden.  “As we celebrate this anniversary, the RTA reminds riders that ‘priority seating’ on the region's buses and trains is intended for people with disabilities and older adults.  Please be considerate and offer your seat.”