[PRCo] Re: PCCs in Operation

[Joshua Dunfield]

Jim Holland wrote:
> There may be a line that is crossed somewhere on the ADA issue.       
> Special platforms were built at stops for wheelchairs;  portable ramp 
> from TrolleyCar to platform is set in place manually by the operator on 
> PCCs.       Don't know requirements about older equipment.       I may 
> have heard but don't remember.       Activists have considerable 
> influence in SF as most seem to know.

The ADA tried pretty hard to not cause massive disruption in the short term.
Historic routes are exempt; vehicles already in use in 1990 are exempt.
(See Section 12142 of the ADA:
http://finduslaw.com/americans_with_disabilities_act_of_1990_ada_42_u_s_code_chapter_126
)

The "PCC-II"s on the 15 were rather obviously remanufactured, so they're not
exempt.  OTOH, most of the Market-Frankford and Broad Street Subway stations,
even important ones like 15th/City Hall, are not ADA-compliant.  I assume they
fall under 12147(b)(1)(2)(B): 

 (B) Extension for extraordinarily expensive structural changes
          The Secretary may extend the 3-year period under subparagraph
        (A) up to a 30-year period for key stations in a rapid rail or
        light rail system which stations need extraordinarily expensive
        structural changes to, or replacement of, existing facilities;
        except that by the last day of the 20th year following July 26,
        1990, at least  2/3  of such key stations must be readily
        accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.

At their current rate I doubt SEPTA will make the deadline, unless they've
managed to interpret "key stations" to leave out most of Center City.

-j.