Amtrak Midwest new cars accessible?

[MIrailfan]

Just asking because its harder for me to climb the steps into Amtrak cars than it used to be.

 

[jis]

Just asking because its harder for me to climb the steps into Amtrak cars than it used to be.

They are fully accessible. Many even come with their own lifts that are deployed from the car when needed.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

They are fully accessible. Many even come with their own lifts that are deployed from the car when needed.

So lifts as a category did not fail the ADA but rather they failed because they were more tedious and time consuming when station-based? Meaning the issue was with the delay/order in boarding?

 

[jis]

So lifts as a category did not fail the ADA but rather they failed because they were more tedious and time consuming when station-based? Meaning the issue was with the delay/order in boarding?

That evidently is correct. I am not sure "failed" is the right term to use though. FRA always acknowledged that there will be stations with low level platform where high floor trains operated and specified that lifts are necessary at such to meet ADA requirements.

For a little while they made the impractical requirement that all new stations where high floor trains operate must have high level platforms. Once they realized the impracticality of that in face of host railroad requirements for accommodating wide loads AFAIR FRA backed off and allowed even new stations located on active freight trackage to meet ADA requirements using lifts.

The alternative in many cases would have been to simply not have any stations due to the difficulty ion getting a full fledged station with additional loops and full length high level platform on them, at such locations. The total absence of service would not exactly serve the mobility impaired better than having service but with the inconvenience of using a lift.

 

[Just-Thinking-51]

Just asking because its harder for me to climb the steps into Amtrak cars than it used to be.

If you’re not using a wheelchair then the stairs are not an easier setup. A bit wider maybe but not an easier slope to climb. The lack of high level platforms and the multiple excuses why it can’t be done is mostly money and the lack of enforcement of said requirements.

The process is slow and time consuming to convert, but it’s slowly occurring here in NY. One day we might actually see a Siemens coach too.

 

[jis]

The process is slow and time consuming to convert, but it’s slowly occurring here in NY. One day we might actually see a Siemens coach too.

NY will see them as soon as Airos are deployed and they will come armed with door mounted lifts like all other Venture Cars. Afterall they have to be able to work South of Washington DC on freight host tracks and stations.Of course there will be some stations, specially more used ones that will see the investment needed to put in high level platforms. I suspect someday soon Richmond, Savannah and Jacksonville will get high level platforms. But it won't happen in little stations in the sticks. They will continue to exist with low level platforms, and more will be built. That is why the cars come equipped with lifts.

 

[joelkfla]

If you’re not using a wheelchair then the stairs are not an easier setup. A bit wider maybe but not an easier slope to climb. The lack of high level platforms and the multiple excuses why it can’t be done is mostly money and the lack of enforcement of said requirements.

The process is slow and time consuming to convert, but it’s slowly occurring here in NY. One day we might actually see a Siemens coach too.

You don't need to be in a wheelchair to use the lifts, whether the portable station lifts or ones built into the train car. They are available for all passengers who have difficulty with stairs.

 

[jis]

You don't need to be in a wheelchair to use the lifts, whether the portable station lifts or ones built into the train car. They are available for all passengers who have difficulty with stairs.

Exactly. I have seen them deployed for use by people who have problem climbing stairs though they can walk on a flat surface, at Orlando Station. All that you have to do is ask.

 

[MIrailfan]

Exactly. I have seen them deployed for use by people who have problem climbing stairs thought they can walk on a flat surface, at Orlando Station. All that you have to do is ask.

I will do that, thanks.