by Donald Wood
Last updated: 4:00 AM ET, Tue July 21, 2015
Photo courtesy of Amtrak
Amtrak is honoring the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law on July 26, 1990 by taking significant steps to improve the travel experience for passengers with disabilities.
In a statement from Amtrak, the company has taken input from station owners, stakeholders from the disability community and state and federal officials on how to improve the experience for customers with disabilities. The rail company has developed trip planning ideas, instructions on how to purchase tickets, improved station access and on-board services tailored to people dealing with a disability.
Since the law was enacted, Amtrak has been making upgrades and improvements to its facilities, including work on platforms, ramps, sidewalks, entranceways, restrooms and seating.
Amtrak president and CEO Joe Boardman released a statement about the new initiatives, saying, "Passengers with disabilities represent a large and growing share of Amtrak ridership and we are proud of our role as an important means of transportation. We are confident we can build on the progress made to date and advance a robust program of station accessibility improvements in the years to come."
Some of the new projects on tap include enhancing mobility by installing audible and visual passenger information displays, installing or rebuilding ticket counters and ensuring accessible pathways between the parking lot, station building and platform.
In addition to the upgrades and changes, Amtrak is the only mode of intercity transportation that offers discounts for passengers with disabilities and their companions. From 2010-2014, Amtrak saw its ridership by passengers with disabilities increase by 50 percent.
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