Travel and Arthritis.

Last updated Thursday, February 10, 2005

Train travel

What 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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