We are looking for information on accessibility at Amtrak stations.When there is not a 48" platform, is the only substitute the mobile lifts?
Doesn't Amtrak have some low-lying cars? I have some miniature models that are designed that way; 2 levels, with a lower door, probably accessible to a 15" platform.
I am told by Amtrak that these cars are not present on the "Empire Builder" line. But i seem to remember seeing them somewhere.
Has anyone seen one? What height is the step? Does a wheelchair roll right in? Or is this simply a 2-level car? And not freely accessible. What happens when one of these low-riders pull into a station with a 48 platform?
as a 30+ year veteran and 100% wheelchair user
and one of the members of the committee that wrote the Amtrak ADA regulations
and a regular rider of Amtrak
and having just got back from a trip around the country including on the Empire Builder
a few comments.
the main equipment used on Amtrak are high floor (approx 48inch floor ATOR) and the double decked Superliners (approx 17inch ATOR)
(ATOR is how heights are always meausered and means "Above Top of Rail")
the high floor equipment is usually used East of the Mississippi River (Capitol Limited and City of New Orleans are exceptions)
over 90% of all Amtrak passengers board at accessible stations and this number is increasing annually
ALL trains are accessible and ADA compliant.
there are several methods of boarding a train in a wheelchair.
. high platforms with dfirect roll in usually on the North East Corridor and occasional odd places about the system.
. Other High Floor cars use the portable manual wheelchair lifts (usally the Canadian Mobitech)
. Superliners all have ramps on board, the older Pullman Ramps (alum) work much better than the newer Bombarier (Fibreglas) ramps
both have two sections one piece which can reach higher platforms and with the second section added can reach any platform, often you have to ask to get them to use both sections.
. a few California Stations have raised sections of station platform that line up with California car floors.
. the Talgos (and only the Talgos and VRE commuter cars) have on board lifts. these are slow and often broken.
. Onboard ALL new cars are required to be accessible.
. Suberliner Coaches have access on the lower level and an accessible Restroom.
. the Superliner Lounge is accessible on the lower level
. the Superliner sleepers have an accessible ADA compliant sleeping room.
. meals are delivered to the sleeper, coach, or lounge car at no extra charge.
. All Acela trains are accessible via high platforms (all classes)
. high floor cars also accessible
. coach cars have a place to park and/or transfer to a seat. there is an accessible restroom on each accessible car.
. Viewliner Sleepers have an accessible room on all Eastern trains with sleepers.
. the accessible room of at least on car is supposed to be couple adjacent to the accessible end of the single level dining car, so that going to the diner should be possible (in 37 years of riding I have only had this done right once)
. problems to be aware of.
. crews rarely let one use the lounge car even though the code requires this.
. accessible coach seats in California cars have no windows!
. the accessible restroom is often used for crew storage so check and get it cleaned out before needing it.
. the wheelchair location on single level cars is often used for baggage storage, so sometimes getting it cleared out is a hassle.
. in the single level diners it is routine for the crews to use the wheelchair table access spot to store tableware
most but far from all crewmembers are quite accomodating and helpful.
with ticketing you MUST (no exception) you must talk to a real live person to get assured accessible seat reservations.
if the reservation agent has any problems ask to speak to the "special services desk"
. special meals can be had on advance notice
. service animals are premitted but be aware most animals cannot use regular restrooms and rest stops are not always real easy to use for that
some of the high points. any questions just ask.
Bob