Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been making headlines with the Department of Transportation (DOT) as it invests billions into making the U.S. transportation system more accessible to people with disabilities. 

With $5 billion funneled into airport improvements and $1 billion allocated for rail transit upgrades, the DOT is focusing on transforming accessibility across the nation. 

Buttigieg emphasized in a conversation with USA TODAY last week that these improvements are not just part of his department’s mission—they are central to it.

He explained that while significant progress has been made, there is still much work ahead. “Every wheelchair user I know who has traveled by air has some kind of horror story, some kind of incident or set of incidents they experienced,” Buttigieg shared. 

This sentiment is echoed by many in the disability community, as accessibility remains a significant challenge across various modes of transportation in the U.S.

As the Paralympics began in Paris, the DOT released a video that showcased some of the recent infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing accessibility. The video opens with Senator Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., and former Paralympic basketball player Matt Scott discussing the frequent damage done to their wheelchairs by airlines. According to DOT statistics, airlines mishandle between 1% and 1.5% of the mobility devices they transport. This seemingly small percentage translates to a staggering 11,527 reports of damage in 2023 alone.

To address this issue, the DOT proposed a new rule in February 2024 that would impose harsher penalties on airlines when they damage wheelchairs. If implemented, the rule would make it clear that mishandling a device is automatically a violation of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). This act, separate from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), specifically governs accessibility in air travel.

The DOT’s efforts extend beyond aviation. Much of the U.S.’s rail infrastructure was built before the ADA was enacted, and as a result, many stations remain inaccessible. Buttigieg pointed out that many transit agencies want to improve accessibility but simply lack the necessary funding. 

The DOT is working to close this gap by providing more resources to local communities and by increasing penalties for transportation providers that fail to comply with accessibility standards.

The issue of rail accessibility is particularly pressing in cities like Chicago, where Duckworth noted she avoids using the L system due to its inaccessibility. This is a common problem in older transit systems across the country, where retrofitting stations to be ADA-compliant is both costly and complex. The $1 billion the DOT is investing in rail transit upgrades is a step toward addressing these challenges, but the path to full accessibility remains long.

The department is working to ensure that sidewalks, crosswalks, and other pedestrian pathways are accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability. These improvements are part of a broader push to make public spaces more inclusive. As the DOT continues its work, Buttigieg is optimistic about the future of transportation accessibility in the U.S. However, he acknowledges that the upcoming 2024 presidential election could impact the department’s priorities. 

The transition from securing funding to ensuring successful construction is a key focus for the DOT in the coming years. Buttigieg emphasized that it’s not just about announcing the dollars but about delivering tangible results that improve the lives of people with disabilities. 

As the nation watches the progress of these initiatives, the hope is that accessibility will remain a central concern in transportation policy, paving the way for a more inclusive future. The work is far from over, but with continued investment and attention, the DOT is laying the groundwork for lasting change.