ADA Compliant Vehicles and Low-Floor Transit: What Fleet Operators Need to Know

The Growing Need for Accessible Transportation: What the Data Shows

Accessibility is shaping the future of fleet planning. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 18 percent of Americans are age 65 or older, representing more than 61 million people. Projections show that by 2030, more than 20 percent of the U.S. population will be 65 or older. This demographic shift means mobility needs will continue to grow. 

The National Council on Disability’s 2025 report found that more than 35 million adults live with mobility disabilities, making it the second most common disability in the United States. The report also noted that riders using power wheelchairs or scooters are “largely locked out” of many existing transportation services because ADA compliant vehicles are not available in sufficient numbers. 

At the same time, ridership is recovering. The American Public Transportation Association reported that [...]

I traveled to Brussels recently to represent ABC Companies at Busworld 2025, one of the largest global events for the bus and coach industry. I also visited VDL Groep headquarters and our manufacturing partner, VDL Van Hool, in North Macedonia. 

The goal was simple: to observe, listen, and learn what is next for our industry, and to bring back insights that can help operators prepare for what is ahead. The trip reminded me that innovation is not just about new technology. It is about small improvements in process, design, and craftsmanship that make vehicles easier to run, service, and depend on.

What Stood Out at Busworld 2025 

Walking through the halls at Busworld offered a front-row view of how manufacturers are thinking about the next generation of vehicles. I focused on [...]