Rail Travel
Things to Remember:
- Book a train reservation only after you've inquired about accessibility.
- Don't plan on sitting in an observation car unless you provide your own assistance from someone strong enough to carry you up skinny stairs.
- Avoid hampering others.
Margie's Personal Experience
My rail travel experience is limited to the Napa Valley Wine Train. Hardly the average train trip, it moves north through the valley and then back south, beginning and ending in Napa, California, at an earth-shattering speed of eighteen miles an hour! Along the way passengers enjoy cocktails, dinner, coffee and aperitifs while watching the sun set on valley vineyards.
However, because of the experience, I now know it is possible for trains to accommodate wheelchair-bound passengers. With the use of special boarding lifts, swivel seats, specially equipped sleeping compartments and marginally accessible restrooms, rail carriers now offer inexpensive accessible travel to handicapped riders. Amtrack, I find, has made great strides in accessibility in the last fifteen years. And, they extend a discount to disabled passengers on round-trip fares. Write for their useful booklet:
Access AMTRACK
AMTRACK Distribution Center
PO Box 7717
Itaska IL 60143
800-872-7245
Request also a list of wheelchair accessible (barrier free) Amtrack stations. There already are several and the number is growing.
A popular way to commute is by train, making the trip to and from a job daily. As a result, and fortunately for us, commuter trains have become easily accessible. For those who must rely on public transportation -- yet desire independence -- this is a special victory.
Sight-seeing trips by train are available in many places. The Sierra Snow Train is typical, providing safe tourist travel in rugged country. The only drawback: individuals who've made the trip report observation cars -- with stairways for access -- are virtually impossible for other than the able. Despite this one unfortunate circumstance, these trains are enjoyable, relaxing and provide impressive views otherwise inaccessible. Be sure to check out available rail excursions at your vacation destinations.
