The Nation - News from Nov. 25, 1987

In a ruling that supporters said could have nationwide impact, a federal appeals court ordered the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority to install an elevator in a Philadelphia subway station to make it accessible to wheelchair users. A city attorney said Philadelphia may appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court. Disabled In Action sued the city of Philadelphia three years ago to force the renovation at the Columbia Avenue station. The U.S. District Court in Philadelphia ruled in favor of the city in December, 1986, but DIA appealed. In reversing the lower court’s ruling, the circuit court rejected SEPTA’s defense that the allocation of money to make its stations and vehicles accessible to the handicapped should be left up to the agency.