Just weeks after the country marked the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the U.S. Department of Justice is stepping in to investigate two of the biggest names in interstate travel—FlixBus and Greyhound—over serious complaints from passengers with disabilities.
What Triggered the Probe?
The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division announced that it’s officially looking into whether FlixBus and Greyhound, both operated under Flix North America Inc., have been violating Title III of the ADA—a section of the law that ensures private transportation companies provide equal access to travelers with disabilities.
The move comes after a string of complaints from passengers who say they were mistreated, ignored, or denied reasonable assistance during their journeys.
Allegations of Mistreatment and Neglect
So, what exactly are passengers saying? The complaints include several troubling patterns:
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Bus lifts reportedly weren’t working or were poorly maintained.
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Drivers allegedly refused to assist disabled passengers with using those lifts.
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Some passengers say they were denied travel with their service animals, or asked for documentation that legally shouldn’t be required.
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Others were stranded between stops, left without assistance or proper communication.
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At rest stops, passengers with disabilities say they were either not allowed to get off the bus or not given help to reboard.
These allegations paint a deeply concerning picture of how some travelers with disabilities may have been treated by companies that are legally required to accommodate them.
DOJ Sends a Strong Message
Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, didn’t mince words in the department’s announcement.
“Less than two weeks ago, we celebrated 35 years of the ADA—one of the most important civil rights laws for millions of Americans,” she said.
“This investigation is about making sure that promise of equality is upheld.
No one should be denied the chance to travel because of a disability.”
What the ADA Requires
Under the ADA, companies like FlixBus and Greyhound must do more than just offer transportation—they’re required to:
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Ensure buses are equipped and functioning properly for disabled access.
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Provide assistance when needed.
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Respect the rights of passengers who use service animals.
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Treat disabled customers with dignity and fairness throughout their entire journey.
Failure to meet these obligations can be a direct violation of federal law.
Have You Experienced This? Here’s What You Can Do
If you or someone you know has faced discrimination or been denied access while traveling with FlixBus or Greyhound, the DOJ wants to hear from you.
You can file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division online at ada.gov/file-a-complaint, or by calling the ADA Information Line at:
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1-800-514-0301
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1-833-610-1264 (TTY)
Additional resources and information about your rights under the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov or justice.gov/crt.
Why This Matters
Traveling shouldn’t be a battle—especially for people living with disabilities.
This federal investigation isn’t just about buses or broken lifts; it’s about holding companies accountable when they fail to meet basic legal and ethical standards.
The message from the Justice Department is clear: Equal access is not optional, and violations of the ADA will be taken seriously.
