Subdivision 1.Adoption of standards.

(a) By January 1, 2015, the Metropolitan Council shall adopt and may thereafter amend standards for the design of light rail vehicles that are reasonably necessary to provide access for, and to protect the health and safety of, persons who use the service. All light rail transit vehicles procured on and after January 1, 2015, must conform to the standards then in effect.

(b) The Transportation Accessibility Advisory Committee must review the standards and all subsequent amendments before the Metropolitan Council adopts them.

(c) The Metropolitan Council shall post adopted standards, including amendments, on its website.

Subd. 2.Minimum standards.

Standards adopted under this section must include, but are not limited to:

(1) two dedicated spaces for wheelchair users in each car;

(2) seating for a companion adjacent to at least two wheelchair-dedicated spaces; and

(3) further specifications that meet or exceed the standards established in the Americans with Disabilities Act.