Accessibility
Services for People with Disabilities and Special Needs
Our goal is to provide safe, efficient and comfortable service to all of our passengers. We are pleased to provide additional services to passengers with disabilities. Amtrak California supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and we constantly strive to make our facilities more accessible to customers with disabilities.
Wheelchairs
Boarding and Detraining
If necessary, we can provide assistance to people in wheelchairs in the following situations:
High Platforms: Amtrak staff will assist you across the gap between the platform and the train by using a bridge plate.
Low-Level Platforms: Amtrak staff will provide a level boarding through the use of station-board lifts.
Bi-Level Trains: Amtrak staff will provide a wheelchair ramp to help you board the lower level of the train.
Remaining in Your Wheelchair or Transferring to a Seat
If you use a wheelchair, including a battery-operated chair, we recommend that you remain in your wheelchair during the course of your trip. If wheelchair lockdowns are not available, we request that you apply your wheelchair brakes.
Many First Class and Business Class cars also have accessible seating. If you choose to transfer to an accessible seat, you may stow your wheelchair nearby.
Wheelchair Restrictions
Amtrak California trains can accommodate most wheelchairs provided they meet the ADA definition of a "common" wheelchair.
Dimensions: The chair should not exceed 30 inches (76 centimeters) wide, 48 inches (122 centimeters) long and 2 inches (5 centimeters) of ground clearance.
Weight: The weight limit for an occupied wheelchair is 600 pounds (273 kilograms).
Manual and battery powered: We permit both manually operated and battery powered wheelchairs that meet the above limits.
Oxygen Equipment
To better serve you and to ensure the safety of all passengers, we provide the following guidelines for transporting oxygen on board Amtrak California trains.
Advanced Reservations Required: You must provide at least 12 hours advance notice of your need to bring oxygen aboard and make reservations prior to your trip. Transporting oxygen is prohibited on trains with the exception of those passengers, who for medical reasons, require use of supplemental oxygen. Please call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).
Equipment Requirements: Portable oxygen containers must meet the following requirements:
Power Source: Oxygen equipment cannot rely solely on train-provided electrical power.
UL or FM Listed: Oxygen equipment must be Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) listed.
Weight Limits: Each tank and its associated equipment may weigh no more than 50 lbs (22.7 kgs) per unit.
Configuration: We permit only one of the following:
- A two-tank system (maximum of 50 lbs [22.7 kgs] per tank), or
- A six-tank system (maximum of 20 lbs [9 kgs] per tank), only if the tanks can be separated and handled individually
Service Animals
For information on service animals and/or pets see Pets and Service Animals.
Thruway Bus Service and Accessibility
Amtrak provides accessible Thruway bus service on some routes. When disruptions to train service occur, we will arrange for and provide alternative accessible accommodations via bus or other means of transportation. For more information about bus facilities, call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).