Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the Public Transit Disability Dashboard, our methodology, and how to use the data.
Have a Question?
We continuously update our frequently asked questions section based on feedback from users like you. Check the resources below for answers to common questions about:
- How to interpret accessibility scores
- Understanding the five dimensions of accessibility
- How to download and use the data
- Technical details about our methodology
In the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.
FAQ
Accessibility data is sourced from primary data collected through CIME, publicly available transit agency feeds, the National Transit Database, U.S. Census Bureau data, and more. All data sources and our methods can be found on the Methods page. Our accessibility analysis is completed yearly to see how transit systems change over time and the site is updated in the same cadence.
The dashboard covers 85 cities across the United States, ranging from large systems like New York-Newark, Los Angeles, and Chicago to mid-size regions like Flint, MI, Spokane, WA, and Lancaster, PA. Use the city selector to explore data for a specific area. Coverage is ongoing; additional regions may be added as data becomes available.
Accessibility is assessed across multiple dimensions, including how well transit systems communicate accessibility features and the usability of their websites, the number of destinations older adults with disabilities can reach in a 30-minute transit trip, the frequency of service, and the financial cost of travel. Additional details about each of these dimensions can be found within the Methods Page.
We strive to make this site accessible to all. If there are features or tools that could make this site more usable, please let us know! You can reach out directly to us at [email protected]