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Train Travelers with Disabilities

I have received a number of e-mails from travelers who have special needs due to physical disabilities or who have some mobility problems due to arthritis or orthopedic problems. The following are some tips train travelers with disabilities.

As you may already know, coach seating on Amtrak and VIA Rail is far roomier than coach on airplanes. Each seat has a fold down foot rest and lots of room to stretch your legs out. New rail cars have significantly larger restrooms, with support bars. And, the pace of train travel allows the traveler much more time to get to and from his seat.

Trains with sleeping car compartments also have at least one accessible sleeper. All trains have at least one coach car with accessible seating and restrooms. Double decker trains have seating, known as "lower level reserved coach" that is even roomier. There is an accessible restroom on the same level, so travelers will not have to use any stairs. The coach attendant will bring travelers their meals and any snacks they might request. Even in regular coach, as well as for sleeping car passengers, the attendant will bring meals to the seat, or sleeper, upon request.

Most Amtrak stations are wheelchair accessible, and accessibility is noted on the station list in the Amtrak Timetable. Travelers can receive boarding and detraining assistance at many stations, so check your station list. Call 24 hours in advance to request boarding assistance.

For those travelers with dietary restrictions, Amtrak offers low sodium, low fat/cholesterol and kosher meals. Advance notice is required.

A trained service animal may accompany a traveler at no extra charge.

Amtrak offers a 15% discount (*) on the lowest available rail fare to persons with physical or mental disabilities. Official documentation of disability is required. Also, if you are traveling with an attendant, ask Amtrak about a reduced fare for that traveler.

For further information, you can call 800-USA-TRAK to request an Access Amtrak brochure. Amtrak TTY service is available at 800-523-6590.

VIA Rail provides essentially the same services for passengers with special needs. For VIA Rail information about special services call 888-VIA-RAIL. For passengers with speech or hearing impairments, call 800-268-9503 to access a communication device.

*: The discount applies to both coach and first class service, but it does not apply to the auto train. Thank Leo for telling us the information.