Section 1 is a new section of statute concerning light rail transit vehicle design.
Subdivision 1 directs the Metropolitan Council to adopt light rail vehicle design standards by January 1, 2015. The standards must provide users of the service with access and protect their health and safety. All light rail vehicles procured on and after January 1, 2015, must conform to the standards. Before adoption by the council, the standards, and any subsequent amendments, must be reviewed and approved by the Transportation Accessibility Advisory Committee. Standards, and later amendments, must be posted on the Metropolitan Council’s Web site.
Subdivision 2 prescribes minimum standards for light rail vehicles. These are: two dedicated spaces for wheelchair users in each car, and companion seating adjacent to each wheelchair-dedicated space. Further specifications must meet or exceed standards specified in the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Section 2 requires the Metropolitan Council to report to the legislative transportation committees by February 15, 2015, concerning the cost of retrofitting light rail vehicles currently in the fleet to the standards adopted under section 1.
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