Monterey Airbus settles with U.S. Department of Justice over disability access.

A long day of travel might include a bus to the airport, two flights with a connection, then a shuttle on the other end-a long, multi-part way home.

That same multi-part travel itinerary might feel even longer if you have disabilities-and a leg of the journey does not accommodate for travelers with disabilities.

Following an investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Monterey Airbus has agreed to up its game when it comes to serving riders with disabilities.

The airport shuttle service violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by discriminating against customers with disabilities, Acting United States Attorney Alex G. Tse for the Northern District of California said in a statement on March 2.

Until 2017, the company didn't provide services for customers who used wheelchairs, and during the decade of 2005-15, bought five new 13-passenger vehicles and five new 24-passenger vehicles-none of which were usable by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs, according to the DOJ.

Monterey Airbus transports people from stops in Monterey, Marina and Prunedale to San Jose and San Francisco airports; one-way tickets for the longest stretch, Monterey to SFO, are $50.

As a result of the DOJ's investigation, Monterey Airbus has agreed to use vehicles that accommodate passengers with disabilities, and conduct ADA training for its staff.

Monterey Airbus cooperated with the Department of Justice and agreed to settle to resolve the DOJ's allegations before a lawsuit was filed, Tse notes.

"With the agreement being announced today, Monterey Airbus has pledged its commitment to ensure individuals with disabilities receive the same service as other passengers," Tse said.

"We acknowledge Monterey Airbus's cooperation throughout this investigation and are glad that we were able to reach this resolution without litigation."