Saturday, July 26, 2025, marks National Disability Independence Day, commemorating the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensures equal opportunity in employment, transportation, public accommodations, and more. 

At SacRT, accessibility is central to our mission of providing safe, reliable, and inclusive public transportation for everyone in the Sacramento region.  

“National Disability Independence Day is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come — and how far we still have to go,” said Priscilla Vargas, SacRT ADA Compliance Officer. “Our goal is to remove barriers and create a transit system that empowers everyone to move freely and independently. At SacRT, accessibility isn’t just a requirement — it’s a responsibility we’re proud to uphold every day.” 

Accessibility in Action 

SacRT is proud to offer a range of accessible services, including: 

• S700 low-floor light rail vehicles, now in operation on the Gold Line, which make boarding easier for all riders — especially seniors and those using mobility devices. 

• All fixed-route buses are designed with accessibility in mind, featuring low floors, ramps, and kneeling capabilities to accommodate passengers with mobility devices or mobility-related issues. 

• Paratransit service (SacRT GO) provides door-to-door transportation for eligible individuals who are unable to use fixed-route service.

• SacRT Flex is a shared-use mobility service for a limited group of qualified riders, including seniors (age 62+), low-income individuals, and persons with disabilities. 

• Priority seating, audio announcements, and station accessibility features that make navigating our system safer and more comfortable. 

We also regularly engage with our Mobility Advisory Council (MAC), which provides guidance and feedback to ensure SacRT services meet the needs of people with disabilities across our community. 

“The Mobility Advisory Council plays a vital role in making sure the voices of people with disabilities are heard and reflected in SacRT’s decision-making,” said Jeff Thom, MAC President. “We’re proud to partner with SacRT to advocate for improvements that enhance independence, safety, and dignity for all riders.” 

Moving Toward a More Inclusive Future 

As we look ahead, SacRT is investing in projects that will further enhance accessibility — including raising platforms on the Blue Line light rail system to support future low-floor train service and upgrading customer tools like an all-in one SacRT app for easier access to fare, trip planning and service alerts. 

National Disability Independence Day is a reminder of the progress made — and the work still to be done. SacRT remains committed to ensuring that public transit is a vehicle for equal access, dignity, and independence for all. 

Learn more about SacRT accessibility services at sacrt.com/accessible.