Biden administration to send Seattle $15M to make monorail ADA accessible

As part of $686 million in grants to modernize transit stations and improve accessibility in the U.S., the Department of Transportation on Monday announced $15 million to be sent to Seattle to make the Seattle Center Monorail station fully ADA accessible.

Among other improvements, the station, which was built in the 1960s, will see new ramps installed, improving paths of travel for individuals with mobility devices.

In total, the $686 million is part of 15 grants in nine states meant to make it easier for people with disabilities and mobility issues to access transit systems. The grants are funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“Every day, millions of people rely on our public transit system to get to work, buy groceries, and see their loved ones — yet today, three decades after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, hundreds of transit stations are still inaccessible for travelers with disabilities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The All Stations Accessibility Program is going to change that by adding wheelchair ramps, elevators, and more.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide $1.75 billion for the All Stations Accessibility Program over five years, according to a news release.

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