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 supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and we have worked to make our facilities more accessible to customers with disabilities.
Wheelchairs
Boarding and Detraining
We can provide assistance to people in wheelchairs in the following situations, if needed:
High Platforms: Amtrak will assist you across the gap between the platform and the train by using a bridge plate.
Low-Level Platforms: Amtrak will provide a level boarding through the use of station-board lifts.
Bi-Level Trains: Amtrak 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, you may remain in your wheelchair en route. 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 trains accommodate most wheelchairs in use today, provided they meet the ADA definition of a "common" wheelchair. Please note:
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 trains.
Notice and Advanced Reservations Required: You must give notice of your need to bring oxygen aboard and make reservations in advance. Please call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).
We require at least 12 hours' notice in advance of your train's boarding time of your need to bring oxygen aboard.
Medical Necessity Required: Oxygen transport is prohibited on trains except by those passengers who for medical reasons require the use of supplemental oxygen.
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), but only if the tanks can be separated and handled individually
Service Animals
Only service animals permitted: We allow trained service animals accompanying passengers with disabilities in all customer areas in our stations, trains and Amtrak Thruway motorcoaches. We permit no other animals onboard at any time.
Control of your animal: You must keep your service animal under the control at all times and comply with local animal safety regulations. The animal should always be on a leash or in a carrier, except as required for boarding or detraining.
Please note that if at any time you lose control of your animal, or your animal causes a significant disturbance, the train crew may in its discretion remove the animal from train and turn it over to local animal control officials.
Walking your animal: If the train schedule permits, you may walk your service animal at station stops provided that you stay within reasonable proximity to the train and re-board promptly when the conductor notifies you that the train is about to depart. If you plan to walk your animal during the trip, please notify the conductor when you first board the train.
Thruway Motorcoach Service and Accessability
Amtrak provides accessible thruway motorcoach (bus) service on some routes. When disruptions to train service occur, we will arrange for and provide alternative accessible accommodations via motorcoach or other means of transportation. For more information about motorcoach facilities, please call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).