Amtrak Continues Accessibility Investments as it Celebrates 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Station and onboard improvements increase access and connectivity

WASHINGTON – Amtrak is investing $155 million in Fiscal Year 2024 in station accessibility upgrades and improvement projects across the National Network to ensure a safe, efficient, and comfortable travel experience for customers with disabilities as part of the company’s program to achieve compliance with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA).

Amtrak marks the anniversary of the landmark ADA, signed into law on July 26, 1990, by highlighting the company’s robust accessibility program and integrated approach to improve the travel experience – from trip planning, to purchasing tickets and the experience at stations, to equipment and on-board services.

“Investing to improve accessibility is a core responsibility for Amtrak and key priority for the entire company,” Amtrak President Roger Harris said. “The execution of all the work on assets and at stations depends on the strong collaboration and shared commitment from many, from the community, national disability organizations, leaders in Congress, the Department of Transportation, local governments, freight railroads, and other partners. We thank these partners and stakeholders for their help, guidance, and advocacy.”

Amtrak is advancing projects in the following areas:

Stations

• Amtrak brought 17 stations into ADA compliance this year by improving elements including parking lots, station buildings and platforms.
• A total of 43 station accessibility improvement construction projects are in progress and 144 design projects are underway.
• Amtrak designed and deployed assistive boarding equipment, including bridge plates and ramps, to help customers with reduced mobility board and depart from the train.
• Passenger Information Display Systems (PIDS), audio and visual train status and boarding information, are now available at 87 stations, up from 76 a year ago.
• Induction hearing loops, an assistive listening system that sends clear sound directly to a user’s hearing aid or cochlear implant, are now available at ticket counters at 85 stations. 

Equipment

• Amtrak’s new Acela trains, now in testing and in service soon, will:
  • Offer enhancements for passengers with spacious accessible restrooms with 60-inch clear turning space, touchless features, and ample grab bars for stability; accessible Café cars; and Braille seat numbers.
  • The new trains will offer customers an improved Public Address Customer Information System (PACIS), which will provide real-time information such as location, train speed and conductor announcements in both audio and visual formats.
• Amtrak’s new Airo trains will offer spacious accessible restrooms, vestibules, and Cafe cars.
• Accessibility improvements across all fleets include adding handrails to Superliner accessible bedrooms, folding tray tables at accessible seating areas, slip-resistant vestibule flooring, and compliant service counters in Café Cars.

Amtrak’s Americans with Disabilities Act Stations Program is delivering accessibility-related station improvement projects to ensure customers with disabilities can successfully navigate the rail network. Amtrak estimates completion of another 39 stations for this fiscal year at a forecasted investment of $140 million. To date Amtrak has invested more than $880 million since 2011 dedicated to advancing accessibility at all levels.

The federal funds provided by the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) have allowed Amtrak to make accessibility improvements at 40 stations in 19 states, to date. IIJA continues to fund a comprehensive improvement program to ensure a safe, efficient and comfortable travel experience with a focus on accessibility and inclusion at Amtrak.

Administrator Amit Bose, Federal Railroad Administration

“Under the Biden-Harris Administration, FRA has made unprecedented investments in passenger rail, making it more accessible and expanding opportunities for Americans from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and communities nationwide. With President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure law, these investments include station upgrades and new trains that will directly benefit people with disabilities, our aging population, and others. The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law more than 30 years ago, and as we work collectively to improve and expand America’s passenger rail network and infrastructure, FRA will continue to prioritize equity and opportunity to ensure President Biden’s infrastructure investments are felt in communities across the country and meet the needs of our diverse population.”

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)

“When the ADA was signed into law, it enshrined the promise that intercity passenger rail would become accessible within 20 years—and yet, more than 30 years later, there’s still so much to do. In addition to my ASAP Act in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that is helping make our nation’s transit stations ADA compliant, I’m pleased that Amtrak is marking the 34th anniversary of the ADA today by announcing this significant investment to improve accessibility across its rail stations, too.

“Whether they’d like to travel by transit, rail or plane, all Americans with disabilities should be able to safely and easily access the transportation systems they need to get around—and I won’t stop working until that’s a reality.”

U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Ranking Member

“I’m proud to stand alongside Amtrak as it commits funds and resources to increase accessibility in rail. Every person should have the ease to travel across our nation, regardless of any disability. That’s why I’m proud to have fought for accessible travel in Congress and proud of Amtrak for reaffirming their commitment to an accessible America. Together, we’re on track to a more accessible future!”

U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY)

“Individuals with disabilities are tired of being left on the sidelines. This investment is a step in the right direction to address accessibility issues in Amtrak stations. As a member on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I’m proud to have helped secure these crucial funds. I’ll always fight for individuals of every ability to ensure they have the means to live life to the fullest and I appreciate Amtrak’s partnership on this issue.”

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)

“Thirty-four years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, marking a transformative moment in our nation’s commitment to accessibility. While we have made significant strides, our journey is far from over, and Amtrak’s substantial $155 million investment is vital to our continued efforts to ensure accessible travel for all.

“Like many communities across the country, intercity passenger rail and regional public transportation are essential lifelines for the residents of Bucks and Montgomery counties. As co-chair of the bipartisan Disability Caucus and proud champion of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, my mission has been and continues to be ensuring everyone in our community, regardless of ability, can access safe, efficient, and comfortable travel, and I will not stop until we do so. In addition to my efforts to secure critical funds through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, including $30.5 million for vital accessibility upgrades at the Cornwells Heights station in Bensalem, this latest investment from Amtrak will significantly bolster our efforts in our shared mission. I commend Amtrak for their dedication and look forward to our continued partnership in further breaking down barriers and enhancing accessibility for all.”

U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL)

“Transportation systems should be accessible to all Americans. Unfortunately, the needs of people with disabilities have often been overlooked in the development of these systems. It’s been more than 30 years since the ADA passed and we still have a long way to go. I am proud to have co-led legislation that created the Federal Transit Administration’s All Stations Accessibility Program to make funding available for transit accessibility improvement programs, and I commend Amtrak for making similar investments to improve and increase accessibility and connectivity throughout its network.”