U.S. Attorney settles ADA complaint against Jefferson Lines

FARGO (KVRR) – Federal prosecutors in Fargo say a settlement has been reached with a bus company that was accused of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Interim U.S. Attorney Nick Chase says the agreement resolves an allegation that a Jefferson Lines bus driver refused to allow a passenger with a walker to use the bus’s lift to exit the bus.

Federal authorities say that from 2017, to 2020, Jefferson Lines received 24 complaints regarding disability access issues, eight of which were complaints that a bus lift failed to work or that a driver failed to properly operate a lift.

The settlement agreement requires Jefferson Lines to train employees on the requirements of the ADA and to pay the passenger $5,000.

“For many people with disabilities, transportation is a challenging issue. The corrective measures agreed to by Jefferson Lines will
allow individuals with disabilities better access to transportation services in North Dakota and around the United States,” Chase said.

“We hope other transportation providers remain focused on compliance with this important civil rights law.”