In a video created by Inga Lizdenyte and shared by Helen O’Connell, users of both average size and larger wheelchairs have difficulty accessing SacRT buses with the new driver security barriers being install on buses. Please take a look at the mp4 video (as with all videos, you may have difficultly viewing in-line, but you can download and view).

Helen and other SacRT Mobility Access Council (MAC) members have pointed out that early intersaction withg the MAC might prevent these kind of issues. However, STAR sees that the problem goes far beyond this. SacRT has repeatedly made mistakes with transit vehicle accessiblity. The new Siemens S700 light rail cars are the most egregious example, but there are examples with each and every transit vehicle type. With the S700s, most of the problems were a creation of SacRT. Siemens does not make ligh rail vehicles with access issues. STAR has heard off the record from Siemens employees that all the problems with the new cars were the result of special modification that SacRT requested. SacRT apparentlly feels that they have more expertise than Siemens. They do not.

SacRT has an ADA compliance officer. It appears that this position is not consulted before vehicles are ordered or modification to vehicles made. Most of these issues should be caught by the compliance officer before they even get to the MAC.

During the SacRT board meeting today (2025-12-08), there will apparently be mention of the bus access issue in agenda item 3.1, Customer Service Response to Feedback and Comments. The provided presentation does not indicate what will be said. STAR encourages all members and readers to follow this issue, not just for this board meeting, but until it is resolved, and all riders have full and unencumbered access to all buses.

• SacRT Governance