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AMTRAK’S COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY

Amtrak is committed to providing the best possible onboard experience to
customers with disabilities. This is why Amtrak is preparing designs for new
Long Distance trains offering features that will enhance accessibility.

Our vision for the future of train travel includes many innovations that go
beyond what is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and in
some cases, designs would require approval of the Federal Railroad
Administration (FRA) based on an equivalent facilitation determination. As part
of this process, public feedback on accessible train travel is requested.

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ABOUT THIS PROJECT


NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Amtrak held a public hearing on August 30, 2023, in Washington, D.C. and online
via ZOOM as a forum for members of the public to provide commentary on
accessible train travel.

More information about the public hearing can be found here.

 1. Introduction
    
    As we develop plans for procuring and deploying new rail equipment for
    overnight train service on our Long Distance network, Amtrak is committed to
    enhancing and improving the customer experience for customers with
    disabilities, including customers who use wheeled mobility devices. Many of
    today’s regulatory standards that define accessible rail cars do not provide
    a truly accessible journey. To ensure that all customers have equal access
    to the unique experiences offered by our Long Distance services, we need to
    re-imagine what is possible. Community engagement will play a critical role
    in this process.
    
    In addition, new train designs and technologies offer opportunities to
    deliver a better and more accessible experience to customers with mobility
    disabilities. Strict compliance with existing regulations hinder some of
    these new alternatives.
    
    After providing opportunities for the public to provide feedback, Amtrak
    will submit a request to the Federal Railroad Administration for approval to
    use alternative design standards that provide equal or better accessibility.
    This process is called “equivalent facilitation.”
    
    Amtrak is dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone feels
    welcome, comfortable, and valued throughout their journey. Your input and
    feedback are welcomed as we continue to work to create a truly inclusive
    Long Distance train service and experience.
    
    We appreciate your insights and feedback on our journey towards enhanced
    accessibility and inclusivity.

 2. Specific Provisions of Part 38 Concerning which Amtrak is Seeking a
    Determination of Equivalent Facilitation
    
    As stated above, Amtrak is seeking a determination of “equivalent
    facilitation” on several regulatory provisions that define standards of
    accessibility that are specific to individual rail cars (as opposed to
    entire trainsets). In lieu of strict compliance with the following
    provisions in 49 CFR Part 38, Amtrak proposes to use the Alternative Design
    Standards described below in Section III, which would meet or exceed the
    level of accessibility or usability of the train, as further described below
    in Section IV.
    
    38.111(a)(1) requires individual single-level rail passenger coaches to have
    a specific number of accessible spaces, regardless of the number or location
    of accessible spaces elsewhere on the train. It states:(1) Single-level rail
    passenger coaches and food service cars (other than single-level dining
    cars) shall comply with §§ 38.113 through 38.123 of this part. Compliance
    with § 38.125 of this part shall be required only to the extent necessary to
    meet the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section.38.111(a)(4) requires
    individual bi-level lounge cars to be accessible on the lower level and to
    have accessible restrooms in the car, regardless of the accessibility of the
    upper level and regardless of the availability of accessible restrooms in
    other nearby accessible cars. It states:Bi-level lounge cars shall have
    doors on the lower level, on each side of the car from which passengers
    board, complying with § 38.113, a restroom complying with § 38.123, and at
    least one space complying with § 38.125(d) (2) and (3) to provide table
    service to a person who wishes to remain in his or her wheelchair and space
    to fold and store a wheelchair for a person who wishes to transfer to an
    existing seat.38.111(a)(5) requires accessible restrooms in each individual
    single-level coach and food service car, as well as in each individual
    dining or lounge car if there is a restroom for other passengers, regardless
    of the availability of accessible restrooms in other nearby accessible cars
    and regardless of whether the “restroom for other passengers” is on the same
    floor as the accessible seating locations. It states:Restrooms, complying
    with § 38.123 shall be provided in single-level rail passenger coaches and
    food services cars adjacent to the accessible seating locations required by
    paragraph (d) of this section. Accessible restrooms are required in dining
    and lounge cars only if restrooms are provided for other
    passengers.38.111(a)(6) requires each individual sleeper car to have
    accessible accommodations, regardless of the number or location of
    accessible bedrooms elsewhere on the train. It states:Sleeper cars shall
    comply with §§ 38.113 (b) through (d), 38.115 through 38.121, and 38.125 of
    this part, and have at least one compartment which can be entered and used
    by a person using a wheelchair or mobility aid and complying with § 38.127
    of this part.38.111(d) requires individual coaches to have a specific number
    of accessible spaces, regardless of the number or location of accessible
    spaces elsewhere on the train. It states:Passenger coaches or food service
    cars shall have the number of spaces complying with § 38.125(d)(2) of this
    part and the number of spaces complying with § 38.125(d)(3) of this part, as
    required by § 37.91 of this title.38.125(a) requires each individual rail
    car to have an accessible path from the platform to the accessible seating
    location, even for cars that are part of fixed trainsets with accessible
    spaces and accommodations on the upper level, with multiple elevators
    connected by an accessible path, as proposed in the Alternative Design
    Standards described herein. It states:(1) General. All intercity rail cars,
    other than level entry cars, required to be accessible by §§ 38.111 (a) and
    (e) of this subpart shall provide a level-change mechanism or boarding
    device (e.g., lift, ramp or bridge plate) complying with either paragraph
    (b) or (c) of this section and sufficient clearances to permit a wheelchair
    or other mobility aid user to reach a seating location complying with
    paragraph (d) of this section.(2) Exception. If level-entry boarding,
    portable or platform lifts, ramps or bridge plates meeting the applicable
    requirements of this section are provided on station platforms or other
    stops required to be accessible, or mini-high platforms complying with §
    38.113(d) are provided, the car is not required to be equipped with a
    car-borne device. The access systems or devices used at a station to which
    section 37.42 applies must permit compliance with that section.38.125(d)(1)
    requires individual rail cars to have a specific number of accessible
    spaces, regardless of the number or location of accessible spaces elsewhere
    on the train. It states:Requirements. All intercity rail cars required to be
    accessible by §§ 38.111 (a) and (e) of this subpart shall provide at least
    one, but not more than two, mobility aid seating location(s) complying with
    paragraph (d)(2) of this section; and at least one, but not more than two,
    seating location(s) complying with paragraph (d)(3) of this section which
    adjoin or overlap an accessible route with a minimum clear width of 32
    inches.
 3. Alternate Method of Compliance
    
    Amtrak proposes to comply with the following Alternative Design Standards as
    an alternative method of compliance, providing equal or better accessibility
    and usability of its trainsets, as further described below in Section IV.
    
    1. Trainset / Semi-Permanent Coupling
    
       These Alternative Design Standards are based on the concept of an
       accessible core trainset offering enhanced mobility between cars and
       access to train amenities, and utilizing semi-permanent coupling.
    
    2. Number of Accommodations
       1. The number of accessible coach spaces in a trainset will be equal to
          or greater than the number of coach cars in the trainset.
       2. The number of accessible bedrooms in a trainset will be equal to or
          greater than the number of sleeper cars in the trainset (not including
          sleeper cars used primarily for crews or other non-revenue purposes).
    3. Access to Amenities
       
       All accessible coach spaces and all accessible bedrooms will be located
       along or within an accessible core area of the trainset, with access to
       dining, cafe and lounge cars and similar amenities, via an accessible 32”
       wide path.
    
    4. Priority Positions
       1. Accessible sleeper cars will have priority over any non-accessible
          sleeper cars in terms of proximity to dining, café and lounge cars.
       2. Accessible coaches will have priority over any non-accessible coaches
          in terms of proximity to dining, café and lounge cars.
    5. Access to Redundant Restrooms
       
       All accessible spaces will have access to at least two accessible
       restrooms, via an accessible 32” wide path.
    
    6. Access to Redundant Vertical Access Points
       
       All accessible coach spaces and accessible bedrooms on the upper level of
       a bi-level train will have access, via an accessible 32” wide path, to at
       least two accessible elevators to provide access to the platform for
       boarding and deboarding.
 4. Demonstration of How Proposed Design Standards Meet or Exceed the Level of
    Accessibility or Usability of the Train
    
    The ADA regulations listed above require certain accessible accommodations
    in each individual rail car. For trains that are made up of rail cars that
    are regularly connected to others and disconnected, having each car be
    accessible is a practical rule that ensures sufficient access to accessible
    seating locations and other accommodations. However, while this rule ensures
    that each railcar is technically accessible, each individual accessible
    location is “isolated,” not connected to other accessible locations, without
    access to a redundant restroom, and without direct (or often any) access to
    other parts of the train, such as dining, lounge, café or observation cars.
    
    The Alternative Design Standards proposed herein are for “trainsets,” or
    trains that utilize “semi-permanent coupling.” The cars that make up these
    trainsets are not easily or regularly disconnected from each other, but
    rather, they are connected in fixed arrangements via connections that are
    not designed to be easily separated. This type of connection (similar type
    of connection used by Amtrak on its Acela trainsets) has many benefits,
    including smoother transitions for passengers traversing from one car to
    another.
    
    Because of the unique nature of trainsets, Amtrak proposes that they should
    rightly be considered as a whole and not as the sum of their individual rail
    car parts. In other words, the accessibility of a trainset should be viewed
    and considered when it is fully "assembled.”
    
    If the Alternative Design Standards listed here are approved, Amtrak can
    provide a much more accessible and enjoyable train experience for customers
    with mobility disabilities than what the current regulations provide.
    Instead of isolated accessible positions, Amtrak can provide accessible
    accommodations on the upper level of bi-level trains, with an accessible
    path connecting multiple seating spaces and restrooms, and access to the
    amenities that are central to Amtrak’s Long Distance journeys, such as
    dining cars, lounge cars, café cars, and the opportunity to take advantage
    of the expansive windows often provided on the upper level of bi-level train
    cars to enjoy the scenery. Amtrak can also locate accessible positions in
    priority locations, closer to the dining and lounge cars, making it easier
    for customers with mobility disabilities to get to those amenities.


EVENTS


PUBLIC HEARING

Amtrak held a public hearing on August 30, 2023, in Washington, D.C. and online
via ZOOM as a forum for members of the public to provide commentary on
accessible train travel.

The slides presented at the public hearing are available online:

PUBLIC HEARING SLIDESRight ChevronA chevron pointing rightPUBLIC HEARING
TRANSCRIPTRight ChevronA chevron pointing right

NOTICE OF CORRECTION:

Amtrak would like to clarify two points presented at the Aug. 30 public hearing.

CORRECTION 1 (Public Hearing Video Recording 52:46): It was stated that cars 5
and 6, accessible diner and accessible lounge cars, are fitted with one
accessible space and one transfer seat plus storage space for wheeled mobility
devices.

To clarify, the accessible diner (car 5) is mainly occupied by the galley area
(crew space). The diner seating space starts in the last 1/3rd of car 5 and
extends to the middle of car 6 where one accessible space and one transfer seat
plus storage space for wheeled mobility devices are located. The second half of
car 6 is fitted with lounge seating, which also includes one accessible space
and one transfer seat plus storage space for wheeled mobility devices.

CORRECTION 2 (Public Hearing Video Recording 59:24): It was stated that cars 4
and 5, accessible diner and accessible lounge cars, are fitted with one
accessible space and one transfer seat plus storage space for wheeled mobility
devices.

To clarify, the accessible diner (car 4) is fitted with two accessible spaces
and two transfer seats, plus storage space for wheeled mobility devices, located
at the right end of the car, close to the lounge. The accessible lounge (car 5)
is fitted with one accessible space and one transfer seat, plus storage space
for wheeled mobility devices




PUBLIC COMMENTARY

The public comment period has closed. Thank you to all who took the time to
provide your comment to Amtrak on the future of accessible train travel. Amtrak
welcomes your feedback at any time at
https://www.amtrak.com/contact-us/email.html.

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