factual

What actions did Avis (parent company of Budget) take to eliminate the violations identified by the Department of Justice in the Notice Letter?

Budget Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

    1. By letter dated April 24, 1996 (the "Notice Letter"), the Department notified Avis that, based on its investigation and the information Avis provided in response to the Department's request, Avis was, in general, providing an acceptable level of service to individuals who use wheelchairs. However, in its letter, the Department also informed Avis that it had concluded that Avis was in violation of certain of the provisions of the ADA cited above relating to (i) the acquisition of accessible shuttle vehicles, (ii) the provision of curbside service to individuals who use wheelchairs, (iii) the existence of architectural barriers that the Department believed should have been removed under Avis' obligation to engage in readily achievable barrier removal, and (iv) the provision of effective communication for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Since that time, Avis and the Department have engaged in negotiations in an effort to resolve this matter without resort to litigation. During this period Avis has taken action to eliminate most of the violations identified by the Department in the Notice Letter by, for example, acquiring and deploying accessible shuttle vehicles and removing architectural barriers at the Detroit Airport and other Avis rental car facilities nationwide.
    1. The original purpose of this Agreement was to set forth the agreement between the parties regarding the remaining violations at the Detroit Airport. However, in the course of negotiations, Avis determined that it would prefer to enter into a nationwide settlement in order to establish its obligation to acquire, modify, and deploy shuttle vehicles at its' corporately operated airport rental car facilities nationwide (the "Airport Facilities"), whether currently or hereafter operated by Avis. In addition, the parties desire to reach a comprehensive agreement regarding the actions Avis has taken and will take nationwide to establish policies and procedures for providing curb-side service to individuals with mobility impairments and/or those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
    1. Avis does not admit that it is in violation of any of the provisions of the ADA with respect to the operation of its shuttle services at the Detroit Airport or any of its other Airport Facilities.

Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 80–426)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Budget's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Avis was notified by the Department of Justice in a letter dated April 24, 1996, that they were in violation of certain provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These violations related to accessible shuttle vehicles, curbside service for individuals who use wheelchairs, architectural barriers, and effective communication for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

To address these issues, Avis engaged in negotiations with the Department of Justice and took actions to eliminate most of the identified violations. These actions included acquiring and deploying accessible shuttle vehicles and removing architectural barriers at the Detroit Airport and other Avis rental car facilities nationwide. Avis also agreed to a nationwide settlement to establish its obligation to acquire, modify, and deploy shuttle vehicles at its corporately operated airport rental car facilities nationwide.

Furthermore, Avis committed to establishing policies and procedures for providing curb-side service to individuals with mobility impairments and those who are deaf or hard of hearing. At the Detroit Airport, Avis agreed to develop and implement a system for providing effective communication with its customers, including installing appropriate signage directing individuals to the location of airport TDDs and ensuring that TDDs and trained personnel are available to respond to calls from the airport terminal to its Detroit rental car facility. Avis does not admit that it is in violation of any of the provisions of the ADA with respect to the operation of its shuttle services at the Detroit Airport or any of its other Airport Facilities.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.