Saying it is “committed to procuring a modern fleet to operate on its Long Distance route network that will improve the rider experience for customers with mobility disabilities,” Amtrak has announced an Aug. 30 meeting open to the public.
In an early August news announcement, Amtrak said, “Public feedback on the future of accessible train travel is requested, and Amtrak has made available options to provide comment online and to attend a public meeting in person or virtually.”
The meeting will take place in person with Amtrak officials from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern time on Aug. 30 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. Attendees participating in person must register by Aug. 25. Virtual attendees can register until Aug. 30.
In describing the meeting’s agenda, Amtrak said, “Our vision for the future of train travel includes many innovations that go beyond what is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and in some cases, designs would require approval of the Federal Railroad Administration based on an equivalent facilitation determination.”
Topics that Amtrak is considering as part of the accessibility project include the number of accessible spaces in coaches and the inclusion of accessible restrooms and accessible food service cars; accessible sleeper car accommodations; accessible paths from the platform to accessible seating locations; and methods of Amtrak compliance.
Amtrak also described accessible pathways as being 32 inches wide.
