Since 1776, Americans have celebrated Independence Day as a symbol of our nation’s freedom. Nationwide, communities mark the occasion with parades, cookouts, and fireworks. Before joining in the festivities, take a moment to recognize another important aspect of freedom—the freedom of transit. As we celebrate America’s 250 years, our department invites you to reflect on the progress being made to improve transit accessibility and expand transportation opportunities for people of all abilities.
Think About It:
Did you know transportation has been a crucial element in creating independence and mobility to access daily needs, but it was not always accessible?
Where it All Began:
The journey to access fair and accessible transportation dates back to 1896, with the Supreme Court’s Plessy v. Ferguson Case. This case legalized racial segregation on public transit. Separate train cars enabled African Americans to reach their destinations; however, they lacked the same amenities as White cars, including bathrooms and luggage racks.
This law was not overturned until 1956 in the Browder v. Gale Supreme Court Case, which ruled that racially segregated transportation violated the 14th Amendment. In the years leading up to that change, there were countless arrests, protests, and boycotts of unfair and segregated transit services nationwide. Notable moments include the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a 13-month-long protest of segregated buses. During the bus boycott, organizers walked to reach their destinations and later formed a carpool and taxi service. The protesters faced opposition and violence for their courageous efforts, but continued advocating for fairness in transit. Their efforts were supported by law in December of 1956 when the state of Alabama implemented the Supreme Court’s ruling.
After 1956, African Americans had equal access to transportation, but issues of accessibility continued for other groups, including those with disabilities. After the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964, Title VII was enacted, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.
In the late 1960s, leading into the 80s, organizers began championing wheelchair accessibility on public transportation. The ADAPT organization (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today) was founded in 1983 and led grassroots efforts to create national policy mandating wheelchair lifts on public transportation. After many court cases and unsuccessful legal efforts, change finally came with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. This law requires that individuals with disabilities have equal access to transportation with lifts, wheelchair seating, and sidewalks.
Present Day Progress in Durham:
In 2020, the City of Durham took strides to ensure fair access for everyone on GoDurham transit by implementing fare-free transit. This initiative still stands in 2026 and was recently passed by the Council to continue into 2027. Fare-Free transit eliminates barriers for everyone and ensures Durham residents and visitors have a dignified way to conduct their day-to-day matters. Reducing barriers in times of economic hardship remains our department’s goal through its Zero Disparities Initiative.
In addition, the City’s paratransit service and GoDurham ACCESS provide curb-to-curb and door-to-door transit service for vulnerable transit riders. The City’s ADA paratransit service serves riders with different abilities within all locations between the City of Durham and to any location outside the City that is 3/4 of a mile from any fixed-route bus route operated by GoDurham. The County ACCESS program provides residents aged 60 or older, with a disability, or living in a rural community with rides to work, medical and nutritional appointments, shopping, and other personal needs.
A key component of enhancing mobility for all road users is the City’s investment in new technologies to help people cross intersections more easily. To date, the City has installed 50 audible push buttons across Durham. The buttons help everyone cross safely, from visually impaired community members, school-aged children, or older adults, by providing audible instructions for safe crossing. The new technology we’ve implemented is vibrotactile, which sends mechanical vibrations to the skin at crosswalks. GoDurham transit riders with children in strollers can now use the wheelchair ramps to assist with on-boarding and off-boarding. City crews have also installed curb cuts/bus stop pads at 160 GoDurham bus stops throughout the City to make them ADA-compliant.
As we celebrate our nation’s independence, let’s also recognize the progress made in expanding transit accessibility. The freedom to travel is essential to independence, and continued improvements help ensure mobility for all. Happy Birthday, America, and thank you for the progress that makes our nation more accessible, inclusive, and connected.