I am thinking of taking a train trip in the new year but I am handicapped and use a brace and crutches, would you have any sites I could look at to find information about accommodations available. Another thing I want to know would it be eaiser to use a wheelchair rather than walking in a train? Thanks Guys for your help I know I can come here and get the information I need.
Lady Sunshine. I haven't taken a train ride since early 60's. At that time the isles between the seats were pretty narrow. I don't think a wheel chair would fit. Then the trouble of getting on the train with a wheel chair. You might do better with your crutches. There is always somebody to help you get on the train. Like I said, this was way back in the 60's. I know several of our members have taken recent trips on Amtrack. If we can wake them up, maybe they may have later info in this. Wish I could be more help.
If you bring a wheel chair you would be limited to the lower levels on Superliners. W/ crutches you could get to upper levels. In either case if it is very difficult for you to get around by yourself, it his highly recommended you bring a traveling companion. It's not mandatory, just a recommendation. Talk w/ the people at Amtrak Reservations about your particular circumstances & they should be able to help you. If that particular agent isn't very helpful, talk w/ their supervisor.
Hi LadySunshine, Maybe this site will help http://www.amtrak.com/plan/accessibility.html. I agree, a wheel chair would really limit your mobility. The Superliners do have hand rail in the stairwells and you could use the seat back to steady yourself. You may want to ask this question on http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/list.php?f=4 as some of the members are wheelchair bound and use Amtrak.
Lady S., Amtrak appears to have gone out of its way to provide good handicapped accommodations in the sleepers. Each Viewliner has a compartment "H" which is reserved solely for handicapped, and is wheelchair accessible ... it's also the best and largest compartment in the car! I'm not familiar with the handicapped accommodations on the Superliner, but I believe that access to the handicapped compartment on the lower level is also convenient for wheelchairs. Also, if you are in a sleeper, your attendant will bring all your meals from the diner ... at least they did on the Crescent and the Panama Limited. One thing not mentioned earlier about Superliners, the stairway to the upper level is narrow and steep. If you have one good leg, then you should be able to use it. My wife, who at the time had one knee that was not useable for climbing and one that was marginal, was able to use the stairway because the handrails were close together, well positioned, and supported her weight with confidence. She was able to use the bad knee for weight support while lifting herself with the marginal knee and her arms. The more difficult for her was descending, although not impossible by any means. Walking with crutches while the train is moving would take some getting used to. The passageways in the sleepers are narrow, but this is an advantage in that your shoulders can steady you by rubbing along the smooth walls. Walking between the tables in the diner would be the most difficult, since the seat backs are lower than in the coaches, and there are no luggage racks for support in an emergency. Hope you decide to take a train trip, I'm sure you would enjoy it [ 16 December 2001: Message edited by: Hank Coolidge ]
Barb, Amtrak Superliners are very spacious on the lower level... and the crews are very nice and helpful to people with handycaps. They will make everything just right and help when needed...the crutchs aren't a bad idea but the cars do rock and roll through Switches...when in a city area...you might want to call and just find out...1-800-USA-RAIL...Tell them what handycap you have and they can put notice to the train crew so they know a head of time what to expect. just my 2 oops maybe 3 cents worth.
Very definetly call the USA # or where you buy your tickets b/4hand & tell them exactly want your particular needs are. That way your needs will put on the trains manifest for the Conductor & Asst. Conductor to see. That way they get a heads up on what to do for you & they should be prepoared for you. Good Luck
