Harris v. Mass. Bay Transp. Auth.

No. 02 cv 11504 MEL (D. Mass. filed, July 25, 2002) ; Clearinghouse Number: 55111

Description

Persons with Disabilities Sue Massachusetts Transportation Authority for ADA and Rehabilitation Act Violations

Abstract

Plaintiffs—persons who have disabilities and need to use public transportation— brought a class action to stop Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s systematic failure to provide them with basic and necessary transportation services. Plaintiffs allege that, on a persistent and ongoing basis, defendants discriminate against them because of their disability by denying them equal access to public buses and trains in violation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Plaintiffs contend that defendants have not made the fixed-route public bus and train systems readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities by, among other acts and omissions, failing to maintain mechanical bus lifts, doors, and safety equipment adequately; placing nonaccessible buses on purportedly accessible bus lines; not maintaining elevators in train stations; failing to give accurate and conspicuous information on whether elevators are in service; failing to provide an adequate number of designated wheelchair spaces on trains; not implementing a proper emergency evacuation program; not offering prompt alternative accessible transportation as needed; and failing to train and supervise its employees adequately. They also contend that transit authority employees do not allow persons with disabilities to board buses; fail to give them adequate time to complete their boarding or disembarking; and do not clearly make stop announcements. Plaintiffs seek class certification, declaratory and injunctive relief, and costs and attorney fees.

Additional Information

Attorney Information
Plaintiffs represented by: Daniel S. Manning, Taramattie Doucette, Greater Boston Legal Services, 197 Friend Street, Boston, MA 02114 (617.603.1575)
Docket Date
2002-07-25 00:00:00+00:00

Files

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