All kinds of trains that people ride on have to be accessible. This means everything from streetcar type vehicles on city streets to trains that go from coast to coast. In terms of the ADA, there are four types of trains.

Light rail trains include streetcars and trolleys that run at street level.

Rapid rail trains include subways, metros, or the elevated trains in Chicago that do not run on streets.

Commuter rail trains are used for commuting—often from the suburbs into the city and back.

Intercity rail trains like Amtrak are those that travel long distances, often between states.

They must have accessible doorways, priority seats for people with disabilities, areas with enough space for people who use things like wheelchairs, and enough space in the paths.

If an accessible commuter rail car has a bathroom, then it must also be accessible.

People with disabilities can use the priority seats but are not required to.

All trains must have a way for people with mobility disabilities to get on. Often, this is done with a lift or ramp. Anybody who asks can use the lift or ramp—even if they do not have an obvious disability.

Train workers do not have to help with transfers to seats or carrying bags. But they do have to help people get on and off the train when needed.

It is not against the law if an elevator breaks sometimes. But if the elevator is never fixed or if it breaks a lot, it can be against the law because train stations are supposed to try to keep elevators working.

Start by telling the train company about the problem. It is best to write a letter or email. Give as much information as you can about the problem. Keep a copy of the letter for your records.

For light and rapid rail problems, you can also file a complaint with the Federal Transit Administration Office of Civil Rights. You can fill out the FTA’s Complaint Form or send a letter to:

Director
FTA Office of Civil Rights
East Building – 5th Floor, TCR
1200 New Jersey Ave. SE
Washington, DC  20590.

You can download the complaint form is at www.fta.dot.gov/civilrights/12875_14816.html. You can also call the FTA’s ADA Assistance Line, 1-888-446-4511, through the Federal Information Relay Service, 1-800-877-8339, or email at: FTA.ADAAssistance@dot.gov.

You must call or send your letter within 180 days of the problem.

For commuter rail and Amtrak problems, contact the Federal Railroad Administration Office of Civil Rights. Send your letter to:

Office of Civil Rights
Federal Railroad Administration
1200 New Jersey Ave. SE
ROA-10, Mail Stop 5
Washington, DC 20590.