Amtrak Invests $770 Million in Accessibility Projects

Image: The new Amtrak Airo series trains. (photo via Amtrak Media)

by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 9:20 AM ET, Thu July 27, 2023

Since 2011, Amtrak has invested $770 million in station accessibility upgrades and improvement projects across its national network.

The improvements include repairs and upgrades to platforms, ramps, and sidewalks—as well as renovations to entranceways and restrooms. The company is working toward 100 percent completion by 2029.

Amtrak is advancing projects in the following areas:

Stations

Bringing station elements including parking, station buildings, and platforms into compliance through a multi-billion-dollar design and construction program. To date, 117 stations have been brought into compliance and another 67 stations that have been made accessible.
Designing and deploying assistive boarding equipment, including bridge plates, to help customers with reduced mobility board and depart from the train.
Displaying audio and visual train status and boarding information through passenger information display systems at stations.

Equipment

New Acela and Amtrak Airo trains will offer a public address customer information system for real-time information such as train location, speed, and conductor announcements in both audio and visual formats.
Amtrak Airo and new Acela trains will feature spacious and accessible restrooms, vestibules, and Café Cars with integrated boarding equipment for customers with reduced mobility.
Improvements include adding handrails to Superliner accessible bedrooms, stair handrails, folding tray tables at accessible seating areas, slip-resistant vestibule flooring, and compliant service counters in Café Cars.

The Amtrak Americans with Disabilities Act Stations Program oversees accessibility-related station improvement projects to ensure customers with disabilities can successfully navigate the rail network. The program has identified another 39 stations for completion this fiscal year at a forecasted investment of $140 million.

With $1.2 billion in investments from the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, Amtrak will continue to advance a comprehensive improvement program to ensure a travel experience with a focus on accessibility and inclusion.