National Aging and Disability Transportation Center

Transcription

1 This PowerPoint was downloaded from the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center s website ( It was developed by Easter Seals Project ACTION, a technical assistance center operated by Easter Seals, Inc. through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration. National Aging and Disability Transportation Center contact@nadtc.org

2 Rail Accessibility: Ensuring Equal Access to a Growing Transportation Mode An Easter Seals Project ACTION Promising Practices and Solutions in Accessible Transportation Webinar December 1 st, p.m. EDT

3 Speakers Richard Devylder, Senior Advisor for Accessible Transportation, U.S. DOT Donald Kloehn, Senior PM/Accessibility Specialist, Tindale-Oliver & Associates, Inc. Lauren Skiver, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Core Service, Maryland Transit Administration Gary Talbot, ADA Program Director, Amtrak 2

4 Richard Devylder Senior Advisor for Accessible Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the Secretary (202)

5 Code of Federal Regulations 49 CFR

6 Amended Regulations Requiring Intercity, commuter and high-speed passenger railroads to ensure, at new and significantly renovated station platforms, that passengers with disabilities can get on and off any accessible car of the train. Passenger railroads must provide level-entry boarding at new or altered stations in which no track passing through the station and adjacent to platforms is shared with existing freight rail operations. 5

7 Shared Tracks with Freight Options for new or altered stations when level board cannot be achieved: Car-borne lifts Mini-high platforms Station-based lifts (mobile) 6

8 DOT s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) or Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will review a railroad s proposed method to ensure that it provides reliable and safe services to individuals with disabilities in an integrated manner. 7

9 The plan must describe how: Equipment would be deployed, maintained, and operated Personnel would be trained and deployed to ensure that service to individuals with disabilities was provided in a safe, timely, and reliable manner 8

10 Railways for All Accessibility Strategies Lauren Skiver Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Core Services

11 Rail Usage Among People with Disabilities What we Know Verses What We Think We know Convenience of Paratransit vs. Rail Services Two Mode Process for most Rail Trips Level of Accessibility of Rail Systems Station Accessibility Differences in Accessibility from One Region to Another Frequency of Service Commuter Mentality Impatience Commuter Peaks Equal Mode Peaks 10

12 Existing Conditions Vehicles Single Level Bi-Level Existing Design Challenges High Platform vs. Low Platform Vehicle Access Platform / Vehicle Gaps (Commuter Rail) Station Platform Access Elevator Availability Customer Information Dual Track Use Freight Verses Passenger Leased Infrastructure Conflicting Responsibilities 11

13 Getting There?? 12

14 Before Travel and At the Station Schedules and Timetables Accessible Formats Ticketing / Reservations Station Facilities Access Points Lighting and Signage Visual and Audio Information Step Free Access 13

15 On the Train Information Systems Reliable Information Technology Signage Where are the accessible cars? Elevator and Escalator Information Uniform Placement Vehicles Accessible Rolling Stock Securement Areas Restrooms Service Animals 14

16 Key Component - People Informed Staff Knowledge of Regulatory Requirements Humanistic Approaches Obligation / Requirement Available Staff Trip Assistance Assured Assistance Building Traveler Confidence 15

17 TECO Historic Streetcar System Tampa, Florida Operational in October 2002 Smaller LR Operation Joint venture between HART and City of Tampa 16

18 TECO Historic Streetcar System Tampa, Florida New Construction Old Mistakes Path of Travel Passenger Boarding Track Gaps at Crossings Violation Reaction and Responses Who Is Responsible? Who Will Fix It? 17

19 Grate located at far left side of the picture in sidewalk. Trash Can in Path of Travel No service schedule kiosk on wheelchair access entrance. 2 ½ inch gap and over 1 inch in rise 18

20 Segregated Entrance Wheelchair and Ambulatory Ramp slope requires handrails Reasonable Path of Travel Blocked by Wheelchair Access Pole 19

21 Areas of Focus On Rail Services Improved Customer Service Passenger Education and Information Multi-Modal Services Improved Linked Services Timely Feeder Service Engineering Solutions Ease of Station and Vehicle Access Universal Design Regional Dialog 20

22 Areas Of Focus On Rail Services Real Time Passenger Information Audio and Visual Accessible Websites Open Captions Automated Stop Announcements Accessible Self Service Kiosks Service Animals On Board Accommodation Facilities for Relief Areas at Stations 21

23 Lasting Impressions Two Steps forward Employee/Transit System Education Inclusion Instead of Requirement Anticipating Customer Needs Rather than Reacting to Customer Needs Doing the Right Thing Before Legal Action Development of Feeder and Link Services Neighborhood Circulators and Flex Routes» Dual Roles as Paratransit and Fixed Route Passenger Education System knowledge and Confidence Customer Expectations 22

24 Accessible Fare Vending Equipment Session Presented by: Don Kloehn, AI/PE Senior PM / Accessibility Specialist Tindale-Oliver & Associates, Inc N. Ashley Drive, Suite 100 Tampa, FL

25 Background Off-board fare purchase and collection machines are becoming more common in public transit systems. The 2004 ADAAG update includes extensive technical requirements for automatic fare vending and collection equipment. Transit agencies struggle with understanding of ADA requirements and manufacturers degree of compliance. 24

26 Key ADAAG Requirements Must provide speech instruction for independent use of the device (49 CFR Part 37; Sections 220 & 707). Braille instructions for initiating the speech mode must be provided. 25

27 Key ADAAG Requirements Must be accessible and independently usable. 48 reach range limit to operable controls which must be accessible. The same degree of privacy of input and output of information must be provided to all individuals. 26

28 Key ADAAG Requirements At least one tactilely discernible input control shall be provided for each function. Function keys must contrast visually from background surfaces and characters and symbols on key surfaces must contrast visually from key surfaces. 27

29 Important Considerations Early review by knowledgeable expert of scope and specifications for new equipment. Early review and testing of voice instruction script. Development model assessment and testing for ADAAG compliance (manufacturer site). Final assessment of delivered prototype unit for full ADAAG compliance. Focus group testing of delivered prototype unit to receive feedback and determine community acceptance. 28

30 END 29

31 Accessibility on Amtrak Gary Talbot Amtrak Program Director ADA

32 Stations / ADA Accessibility Amtrak Station Perspectives Amtrak s Service for Customers with Disabilities Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements Platform Requirements Station Development Process 31

33 Amtrak Station Perspectives 32

34 The Case for Station Development and Investment Passenger Railroad Perspective 7 of 10 key factors in the seamless journey that define trip quality and modal choice relate to stations: Learning, Planning, Starting, Entering, Ticketing, Waiting, Boarding, Riding, Arriving, Continuing Brand identification Amtrak seeks a quality and accessible image for stations that match the efforts put into rolling stock and infrastructure quality/safety/accessibility Joint development/retail revenues (in selected cases) Transit hub/multi-modal potential connected goal of Amtrak Community Perspective Economic development/tod opportunity Community image Multi-modal station investment; rail as key mode in transportation system Station development matched to the scale of the community and services Dilemma Sufficient Funding at all levels of government 33

35 Current Context: Amtrak Serves 529 Stations DOT map showing stations along route (M2) 34

36 Large Urban Stations Linked with Small Rural Stations Top 25 stations account for 63% of ridership Top 100 stations account for 87% of ridership 35

37 9 NY Penn Station (1) 1400 Boston South Station (6) Sacramento (7) 1000 Baltimore (8) FY08 Station Ridership - Total Ons and Offs - (millions) Washington, DC (2) Philadelphia 30th Street (3) Chicago (4) Los Angeles (5) Boston South Station (6) FY08 Station Ridership - Total Ons and Offs - (thousands) San Diego (9) Albany-Rensselaer (10) Wilmington (11) New Haven (12) Newark (13) Irvine (14) BWI Airport (15) Seattle (16) Providence (17) Portland, OR (18) Milwaukee (19) Emeryville (20) Harrisburg (21) Lancaster (22) Davis (23) Trenton (24) Solana Beach (25) Bridgeport (100) Station Ridership Rank Station Ridership Rank 36

38 Amtrak s Service for Customers with Disabilities 37

39 Communication, Training and Procedures Pre-trip Communications with Customers Timetable Indicates which stations are Fully Accessible and which provide Limited Access Amtrak.com Directs passengers to call (800) USA RAIL to reserve accommodations for customers with disabilities Reservations / Call Centers Give automatic 15% discount to customers with disabilities; provide trip planning information Training and procedures All station, train and on-board service staff trained to assist customers with disabilities Training manuals and Operations Service Standards updates issued to advise staff of policy changes 38

40 Communication, Training and Procedures 39

41 Fully Accessible versus Limited Accessible Stations From a functional point-of-view, 354 Amtrak stations (73%) have either full or Limited access serving 94% of Amtrak passengers 1 Fully Accessible 2 stations categorized as all station facilities are fully accessible to persons using wheelchairs 212 of 483 stations or 44% Serving 46.5 million board/alight or 81% Limited access stations categorized as access between street or parking lot, station platform, and trains; however, not all facilities within the station are fully accessible 142 of 483 stations or 30% Serving 7.4 million board/alight or 13% 1. Based on data from the most recent Amtrak System Timetable (effective October 27, 2008) as adjusted by field surveys. 2. Designation from Amtrak System Timetable. Does not equate to ADA compliance 40

42 Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) Requirements 41

43 ADA General Requirements Statutory requirements found at 42 USC DOT regulations found at 49 CFR Part 37 (Transportation Services) and Part 38 (Transportation Vehicles) Prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities Covers public transportation providers, including Amtrak Covers transportation vehicles including trains (rolling stock) Covers rail stations, bus stations, buses and bus stops used by Amtrak 42

44 ADA Station Requirements New rail stations must be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs. Describes the responsible party for purposes of making the stations ADA compliant Station owners and persons in control of station must cooperate with the responsible party Existing intercity rail stations must be made accessible by July 26, 2010 Amtrak has missed the deadline but is working hard to make the improvements necessary to bring the system into full compliance with the ADA, ASAP 43

45 Stations Which Must be Made ADA Compliant Rail Stops Serving Amtrak Routes 529 VIA Rail Stations Serving Amtrak Routes 9 US Rail Stops Serving Amtrak Routes 520 Amtrak Regular Train Service 483 Service Suspended due to Katrina 12 Flag Stop Train Service Only Require ADA Compliance 37 Do Not Require ADA Compliance 44

46 Platform Requirements 45

47 Current DOT Platform Regulations New DOT Level Boarding Rules were issued on September 19, 2011 The new DOT platform rules require Amtrak to provide level boarding platforms where they are the responsible entity and the tracks directly adjacent to the platform are passenger only tracks If the tracks directly adjacent to the platform are shared use tracks, freight and passenger traffic, Amtrak will evaluate the frequency of service and number of customers that board/alight at the location to determine the most effective means for providing accessible boarding Accessible board/alight strategies will include level boarding platforms, car borne lifts, mini-high platforms, and in some cases mobile lifts 46

48 Assistive Boarding Devices for Passengers with Disabilities Level Boarding Platforms Mini-High Platforms Ramps Car-borne Lifts 47

49 Amtrak s Platform Guidelines (currently being updated) Amtrak prefers full train-length platforms, but will consider other options Platform edges bordering drop-offs must have detectable warnings that are 24 wide Level boarding platforms are preferred by Amtrak but when not available assistive boarding devices will be available for customers with disabilities (mini-high platforms, ramps, in some cases station based lifts) Amtrak guidelines are consistent with AREMA standards Discrepancies with freight railroad standards will be resolved by Amtrak Amtrak will submit all station plans to FRA (and in some cases FTA) for review and approval per new DOT Level Boarding Rule 48

50 Challenges to Achieving Full Compliance Funding Time required for completion (since obtaining funding) Amtrak s Report to Congress on February 1, 2009, as required by the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) indicated that the initial deadline was infeasible $1.56 billion required through September 2015 to complete the work Included state-of-good-repair and ADA for all responsible parties 49

51 Progress to date Since the 2009 ADA Report through CY2010, Amtrak awarded contracts totaling $109 million for ADA projects at more than 200 stations Renegotiated property rights agreements with seven host railroads for approx. 300 stations Refocused ADA compliance plan: Excludes state-of-good-repair work included in the 2009 Report Gives higher priority to 150 stations where Amtrak has responsibility for all station components 50

52 Station Development Process 51

53 New Stations Development & Approval Process Request from City State Acceptance (if required) Profit and Loss Analysis Physical Feasibility Host Railroad Permission FRA Notification Agreement Requirements Amtrak New Stop Concurrence Development of Agreements/Contracts Contract/Agreement Signatures Construction and Inspection Timetable Development with Host Railroads Public Announcement Timetable Publishing X P & D Co-Lead X Lead X Co-Lead X X Lead X Co-Lead X Lead X X X X Lead X GOVT AFFAIRS Co-Lead X X X X Lead X X LAW Co-Lead X X X X Lead X X X X X X X OPS/HOST RR Lead X X X X X FINANCE Lead OPS/TRANS OPS/ENGR X X X X X X X X X Lead Yellow Lead X X Green Co-Lead Co-Lead X X X X X X X Lead X X Co-Lead MKTG X X X X X X Co-Lead Red Staff Summary Purple Timetable 52

54 Station Planning and Funding Amtrak s support to local agencies through planning process Amtrak Station Program & Planning Standards & Guidelines Great American Stations Outreach for preservation and investment by local and state agencies Major initiatives Aggressive implementation of the Accessible Stations Development Plan Station prototype development 53

55 Station Graphic Signage Standards Manual Signage guidelines under continual development Recent updates Latest ADA requirements Branded signage Future features Electronic Signage PIDS 54

56 Advances in Customer Service at Stations Wi-fi Internet Access along the NEC; further expansions expected Electronic Ticketing Changing the passenger s experience with ticketing Streamlining ticket collection and manifest management Improving seat utilization Passenger Information Display Systems Support ADA compliance Linkage with train tracking for real time updates Web Site Continual Improvements 55

57 Conclusion Stations are critically important to communities and Amtrak Vital community centers and development generators Critical links between community and transportation Accessible service for disabled and elderly citizens Amtrak can support station development Design Guidelines Prototype Station Designs Engineering Standards Plan Reviews General Consultation Joint Planning Support 56

58 Conclusion Thank You Questions? 57