Amtrak passengers with disabilities note breakthroughs, yet persist in feeling treated as freight cargo
Amtrak, the national railroad company, is working tirelessly to ensure its services and stations are fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by 2029. However, a recent report from Amtrak's Office of Inspector General revealed that there is still a long way to go in improving accessibility for passengers with disabilities [1].
The ADA, which became law in 1990, prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and mandates that businesses, including Amtrak, provide an equal opportunity for people with disabilities to use their services [2]. Amtrak has made significant strides in recent years, bringing more than 50 stations into ADA compliance over the last five years [3].
One of Amtrak's latest initiatives is the NextGen Acela trains, introduced in 2025. These trains feature enhanced accessibility, with wider aisles and accessible restrooms, reflecting newer infrastructure meeting current standards [4].
In addition to new equipment, Amtrak and local authorities are actively conducting ADA assessments and audits at various stations to ensure compliance with accessibility requirements and identify areas needing improvement [3][4]. For instance, the ongoing ADA assessment at Lincoln's West Haymarket Amtrak station is aimed at ensuring the station is accessible for all passengers.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Some Amtrak cars, mostly built in the 1970s and '80s and used on short- and medium-haul routes, have 30-inch doors, which do not meet the ADA's 32-inch requirement for train car doors [5]. Additionally, Amtrak's technology department has modified its app without consulting the accessibility office, making some features inaccessible for passengers who use screen readers [6].
Issues faced by passengers with disabilities are not limited to infrastructure and technology. Gabe Castro-Root and Aubrie Lee, who have disabilities, often encounter problems such as garbage cans and suitcases blocking wheelchair spaces, inaccessible app features, incorrectly deployed boarding ramps, and inaccessible dining cars [7].
However, despite these challenges, disabled passengers view the train as a better option than the alternative. Train stations are typically smaller and more centrally located compared to airports, making travel more convenient [8]. Furthermore, the train offers a closer view of the country compared to flying [9].
Amtrak is also making improvements to address these concerns. The company's next-generation trains, called Airo, will have built-in motorized wheelchair lifts, replacing the hand-cranked mobile lifts currently in use [10]. Acela, Amtrak's premium service in the Northeast Corridor, is set to enter new trains into service starting Aug. 28 with technology that can play onboard announcements directly via most hearing aids [11].
The Trump administration's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 essentially holds Amtrak funding steady at around $2.4 billion, with a shift of $290 million to Amtrak's national network and away from the Northeast Corridor [12]. This funding will support Amtrak's ongoing efforts to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
Despite progress, many disabled people feel that improvements cannot come fast enough. Amtrak has struggled to meet the needs of riders with disabilities since its early days, and accessibility has been a persistent issue for the company [13]. However, with ongoing efforts and the introduction of new, accessible equipment, Amtrak is committed to providing a more inclusive travel experience for all passengers.
References: 1. Amtrak's Office of Inspector General report 2. Americans with Disabilities Act 3. Amtrak's ADA compliance efforts 4. NextGen Acela trains 5. Inaccessible train car doors 6. Inaccessible app features 7. Issues faced by passengers with disabilities 8. Convenience of train travel 9. Closer view of the country 10. Built-in motorized wheelchair lifts 11. Onboard announcements for hearing aids 12. Trump administration's proposed budget 13. Amtrak's history of accessibility issues
- The national railroad company, Amtrak, is working towards making their services and stations fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by 2029, but a report from their Office of Inspector General shows there is still progress to be made in ensuring accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
- The ADA, enacted in 1990, mandates that businesses provide equal opportunities for people with disabilities, including Amtrak.
- Over the last five years, Amtrak has brought more than 50 stations into ADA compliance and is conducting ADA assessments and audits at various stations to ensure compliance and identify areas needing improvement.
- The NextGen Acela trains, introduced in 2025, feature enhanced accessibility, including wider aisles and accessible restrooms.
- Some Amtrak cars, built in the 1970s and '80s, fail to meet the ADA's 32-inch requirement for train car doors, and Amtrak's technology department has made certain app features inaccessible for passengers using screen readers.
- Gabe Castro-Root and Aubrie Lee, who have disabilities, often encounter problems such as blocked wheelchair spaces, inaccessible app features, incorrectly deployed boarding ramps, and inaccessible dining cars.
- Despite these challenges, disabled passengers view the train as a better option than the alternative, as train stations are often more conveniently located and offer a closer view of the country compared to airports.
- Amtrak is introducing new equipment, including the Airo trains with built-in motorized wheelchair lifts, and Acela trains with technology that can play onboard announcements directly via hearing aids.
- The Trump administration's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 provides around $2.4 billion for Amtrak, with a focus on the national network, to support the company's ongoing efforts to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
- Amtrak has struggled with accessibility issues since its early days, and despite progress, many disabled people feel that improvements cannot come fast enough.
- Amtrak is committed to providing a more inclusive travel experience for all passengers through ongoing efforts and the introduction of new, accessible equipment.
