An increased focus on the accessibility of transit surroundings has become integral to operations and policy planning for paratransit and fixed-route systems. Nelson\Nygaard combines years of paratransit experience with a thorough knowledge of the transit environment to assess the accessibility of transit facilities, from bus terminals to light rail stations.

Buses and trains are not accessible if the routes to them are not. For people with disabilities, inaccessible routes to transit often represent the weak link in the transit system and can effectively prevent the use of fixed-route bus and rail service. Associated physical, cognitive, and psychological barriers can severely hamper ridership by the disability community, limiting their mobility and potentially resulting in increased paratransit costs. Nelson\Nygaard, leading teams of national experts in the field, has worked with transit systems to assess the accessibility of their systems, and to offer a range of implementable solutions.

In more urbanized areas, barriers can arise that prevent the use of sidewalks by people with disabilities and other users. Nelson\Nygaard can provide consultation services to help create attractive and accessible pedestrian environments.