New Jersey-based DeCamp Bus Lines reaches terms with the federal Justice Department to settle claims that it discriminated against people with disabilities.

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Investigators with the Civil Rights Division and New Jersey U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman's office determined that DeCamp violated the Americans With Disabilities Act by requiring disabled passengers to submit requests for wheelchair-accessible buses 48 hours in advance, but held no such requirement for other riders.

DeCamp agrees to comply with all ADA accessibility requirements and forbids the exclusion of people with physical challenges from its services.

Under terms of the agreement, the company stops the 48-hour notice requirement and ensures that no passenger is denied an accessible bus, with or without advance notification. DeCamp is barred from posting notices about advance notice requirements for securing ADA-compliant vehicles, and is required to train employees and contractors on the law's applications.

According to the Justice Department, all large, fixed-route motorcoach bus fleets are required to be completely accessible to individuals with disabilities, including those who use wheel chairs. Companies in full compliance are not permitted to require advance notice to secure a vehicle, and they're required to maintain regular maintenance schedules on the equipment.

The federal Americans With Disabilities Act web page can be seen here. The information line is 800-514-0381, or (TDD) 800-514-0383. Complaints can be sent to ada.complaint@usdoj.gov.

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