Training for Transporting Passengers with Service Animals Being Developed

CUTR has contracted with Project ACTION (Accessible Community Transportation in Our Nation) to develop training for transit and paratransit drivers on how to assist passengers traveling with service animals. Service animals, such as guide dogs used by the seeing and hearing impaired, must be allowed on public transportation vehicles, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Project ACTION, an activity of National Easter Seals, is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Federal Transit Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Through work with Florida's Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP), CUTR became aware that existing passenger assistance training programs would benefit from additional information on handling service animals. In this project, CUTR will work with transit systems, paratransit providers, drivers, service animal training schools, service animal users, and other transportation professionals to develop "best practice" policies and procedures. A training module and accompanying materials will be developed and made available to transit systems throughout the country.

If you have expertise in the subject or would like further information on the project, contact CUTR Research Associate Ben Gribbon.

Please direct all comments and/or questions regarding this page to webmaster@cutr.usf.edu.

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