The biggest intercity bus operator in the United States agreed to settle claims that it routinely violated the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Greyhound Lines Inc. agreed to pay at least $375,000 in fines and said it “will implement a series of systemic reforms” to become ADA compliant, according to the Justice Department.
“The alleged violations include failing to maintain accessibility features on its bus fleet such as lifts and securement devices, failing to provide passengers with disabilities assistance boarding and exiting buses at rest stops,” the DOJ said Monday. Greyhound also failed “to allow customers traveling in wheelchairs to complete their reservations online,” the Department noted.
DOJ Civil Rights Division head Vanita Gupta said that the settlement “marks a major step toward fulfilling the promise of the ADA.”
As part of the deal, Greyhound said it would hire an ADA compliance manager and give its contractors and employees additional training.
Although Greyhound has already to pay $300,000 to passengers with disabilities wronged by its practices, that number could rise. The deal has left the number of claims uncapped.
The bus operator also agreed to pay the US government $75,000 in civil fines.
