Travel and Arthritis.
Last updated Thursday, February 10, 2005
Train travelWhat are some tips for people with arthritis who want to travel by train? Most American trains are barrier-free.
Amtrak
Amtrak, the largest passenger service line in the U.S, offers
special assistance and reduced fares for disabled passengers. For more
information about Amtrak, call 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit www.amtrak.com.
When making reservations with Amtrak, ask for the "special service
desk." Most train stations have personnel to provide baggage assistance
and to help passengers from the station entrance onto the train. They
may also be able to provide medical aides to accompany passengers if
needed (payment is required for the aide's services and transportation
costs). Individuals using a cane or walker or having difficulty walking
should consider requesting an Amtrak wheelchair. Passengers should find
out whether needed assistance will be available at all scheduled stops.
At most Amtrak stations there is about a four-step climb to board the
train. With advance notice, Amtrak personnel can assist or even lift
passengers onto the train. Passengers who find it difficult to walk
through a moving train may prefer to sit in the food service car or
have meals served to them at their seat. You can request that any
medication needing refrigeration be stored in an Amtrak refrigerator,
but bring a cooler to store medication in your room if needed between
the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m. (Amtrak will provide the ice).
Wheelchairs on trains
Standard battery-operated wheelchairs are usually allowed on
passenger cars, but full-powered or extra-large wheelchairs must be
transported in the baggage car. Train employees are generally available
to help wheelchair passengers get on and off the train. Some trains
will allow wheelchairs to be used as a passenger seat. However, it may
be more convenient and comfortable to sit in the special swivel seat
provided for wheelchair travelers. This seat has a fold-down armrest
and storage space beside it for one wheelchair. It is located in the
food service car and is across the aisle from an accessible restroom.
Some Amtrak trains also have special bedrooms with room enough for a
wheelchair traveler and a traveling companion, ample space for
wheelchairs and a specially designed toilet facility.
More tips
- Make reservations early.
- Request assistance with the special service desk.
- Request a wheelchair if you anticipate difficulty walking.
- Reserve a seat in the food service car if you anticipate difficulty walking through the train.
- Find
out whether train personnel will be available to accompany wheelchair
passengers to and from the train and assist with boarding and exiting.
- Make advance reservations for the special swivel seat for wheelchair travelers.
- Request that a wheelchair be available at each scheduled stop.
- Ask whether restrooms, bedrooms, and train aisles are accessible.
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