Forward Regulatory Plan: 2022 to 2024 - Phase II of Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations (Phase II ATPDR)

Enabling act(s)

Canada Transportation Act

Description

These proposed regulations build on the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations (ATPDR), which were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on July 10, 2019. The ATPDR establish legally binding requirements in respect of services, technical standards for equipment, communications, training, and security and border screening. Most provisions of the regulations came into effect on June 25, 2020.

While the ATPDR represent a substantial step forward in efforts to ensure the accessibility of the federal transportation network, small transportation service providers (TSPs) are not covered.

The CTA’s objective is to pursue discussion and consultation, and to develop regulations for small TSPs by 2024.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

Similar to the ATPDR, new regulatory measures on accessibility will help Canada meet its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The proposed regulations could extend certain elements of the current ATPDR to small carriers, including those in northern, regional and remote areas of Canada that may have unique operating circumstances or infrastructure limitations to take into consideration.

The impact on Canadians is expected to be positive, as these proposed regulations will help reduce barriers to the mobility of the person with disabilities in the transportation system.

Consultations

In light of input received during consultations from December 3, 2019 to February 28, 2020 and the severe impact of COVID-19 on the disability community and the transportation sector, the CTA will continue discussions with stakeholders.

Departmental contact

Sonia Gangopadhyay
Director, Centre of Expertise for Accessible Transportation
Analysis and Outreach Branch
Canadian Transportation Agency
Sonia.Gangopadhyay@otc-cta.gc.ca

Date that the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

September 2020