Environmental barriers to train travel for people with physical disabilities

Reliable and accessible transportation is key to many activities in our daily lives, including work, grocery shopping, participating in religious and communities activities, and obtaining medical care. While inadequate public transportation is a problem that affects many people, it is much more likely to significantly affect people with physical disabilities. A routine mode of transportation in many areas of the country is the use of trains. In order for people with physical disabilities to ride trains, a number of barriers must be overcome in the immediate train station environment, in the environment of the train railcar itself, and during the boarding and deboarding process.

Findings from a qualitative study of people with physical disabilities who ride trains will be presented. A review of the literature, a focus group, and an ethnographic observational study of metro, subway and Amtrak railways was conducted. Barriers to train travel will be documented and creative solutions to overcoming those barriers will be identified. In an effort to increase train ridership among people with physical disabilities, a one page fact sheet of helpful tips for train travel will be disseminated.

The research findings will be used to contribute solutions to the transportation challenges that people with disabilities encounter in their communities. Policy implications of research include promotion of universal design in train station environments, potential changes to railway provider accommodations and practices, and increased train ridership and awareness for people with physical disabilities.