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AMTRAK IMPROVES ACCESSIBILITY AT AUTO TRAIN STATIONS


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#1 CNJRoss

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Posted 07 October 2015 - 08:23 AM

Amtrak news release, 10/6:

 

AMTRAK IMPROVES ACCESSIBILITY 

AT AUTO TRAIN STATIONS

Lorton, Sanford facilities offer convenient access

 

 

WASHINGTON – Amtrak continues to enhance the Auto Train stations in Lorton, Va., and Sanford, Fla., as part of its ongoing efforts to bring greater accessibility to its nationwide system. 

 

Work on the level-boarding platform at the Lorton station was completed this year and provides safer and faster boarding and detraining for all customers including passengers with disabilities, or who use a wheeled mobility device, seniors and passengers with luggage and strollers. Work on the level-boarding platform at the Sanford, Fla., station is under way and is expected to be completed in early 2016. 

 

At both stations, Amtrak has enhanced mobility by installing or rebuilding entrances, restrooms and ticket counters, as well as ensuring accessibility pathways between the parking lot, station building and platform. 

 

“Amtrak is proud to serve as an important mode of travel for people with disabilities and recognizes that accessibility improvements benefit all passengers by eliminating barriers to travel,” said Joe McHugh, Amtrak Senior Vice President/Chief Government Affairs & Corporate Communications. “We are confident we will continue to build on the progress made to date and advance a robust program of station accessibility improvements in the years to come.”

 

The work to improve accessibility comes during the 25th anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With input from station owners and stakeholders from the disability community, and state and federal officials, America’s Railroad® has taken significant steps to improve the travel experience for passengers with disabilities – from trip planning, to purchasing tickets, to stations, to equipment and on-board service

 

 

            The Auto Train departs daily from both Lorton, Va. (near Washington, D.C.), and Sanford, Fla. (near Orlando). This unique service allows passengers to travel with their personal vehicles including cars, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, and even small boats or jet-skis. It is the only such service in the U.S. and eliminates nearly 900 miles of driving for travelers between the Northeast and all points in Florida. Auto Train is the longest passenger train in the world with two locomotives and 40-plus passenger rail cars and vehicle carriers. Now, both of its facilities are fully accessible and ready for the nearly quarter of a million passengers who use it.    To make a reservation, call 877-SKIP-I-95, go online at Amtrak.com or visit a staffed station.






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