---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 12144"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "12144"
heading: "Public entity operating a demand responsive system"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/12144"
units:
  - "Chapter 126 — Equal Opportunity for Individuals with Disabilities"
  - "Subchapter II — Public Services"
  - "Part B — Actions Applicable to Public Transportation Provided by Public Entities Considered Discriminatory"
  - "Subpart i — public transportation other than by aircraft or certain rail operations"
---

# §12144. Public entity operating a demand responsive system


If a public entity [operates](/usc/42/12141.md?p=4) a [demand responsive system](/usc/42/12141.md?p=1), it shall be considered discrimination, for purposes of [section 12132 of this title](/usc/42/12132.md) and [section 794 of title 29](/usc/29/794.md), for such entity to purchase or lease a new vehicle for use on such system, for which a solicitation is made after the 30th day following July 26, 1990, that is not readily accessible to and usable by individuals with [disabilities](/usc/42/12102.md?p=1), including individuals who use wheelchairs, unless such system, when viewed in its entirety, provides a level of service to such individuals equivalent to the level of service such system provides to individuals without [disabilities](/usc/42/12102.md?p=1).


## Source credit

(Pub. L. 101–336, title II, § 224, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 342.)

## Notes

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date

Section effective July 26, 1990, see section 231(b) of Pub. L. 101–336, set out as a note under section 12141 of this title.