Amtrak Adventures: First time on the US rail system
A decommissioned caboose along the Amtrak line.
This August, I took my first ride on the US train system: Amtrak. I went in with an open mind, not knowing what the train would be like for myself, but also for my companion who required a wheelchair accessible room. We arrived at the station dark and early - the sun had yet to rise, and we waited patiently in an increasingly packed room. Finally, we were called to board. We were directed towards our train car and easily boarded with a ramp. The accessible room was fairly spacious and included two seats which would fold later into a bed, a sink and toilet which later would be aptly named “The Throne,” and a few grab bars along the back wall. Relatively great accommodations considering the 30+ hour ride we were about to embark upon. After settling in and familiarizing ourselves with the layout - dining car, cafe, observation car, we quickly learned that my companion would not be able to access any of these open spaces due to stairs and having to cross train cars. Despite having two windows to look out, the accessible room was now looking like a confined prison with 27 more hours to go and no opportunity to get out. To our delight, we met Rachel, the cafe attendant, who believes everyone should have access to the same experiences. An ADA advocate who “makes dreams happen.” She called her boss, coordinated with conductors, and arranged for us to take a “jail break” for 3 hours in the cafe. To be clear, this was ultimately the decision of the conductors who had to agree to us disembarking and re-entering via ramp at certain stops. However, without the advocacy and tenacity of Rachel, my travel companion would have been forced to remain in his room for the entirety of the trip. For me, this is the type of mindset that helps move us towards a brighter future. Helping provide the same access and similar experiences despite circumstances. This is a great example of ADA accommodation. Not changing the rules for all, but making an exception to allow someone to have the same experiences as others. At this point, we were all able to enjoy our dinner at a table, engage in conversation, and even try our hand at playing cards. It was a seemingly small act but the impact was far from it. We were all able to enjoy a meal together, without the hassle of balancing food on our laps and precariously placing drinks on the edge of the sink, or deciding who was left with the best seat to enjoy their meal…The Throne. Because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love eating on a toilet! All this to say, despite some of the shortcomings in regards to accessibility on the Amtrak, the rail system is a decent way to travel from point A to point B if you have the time and are unable to travel by plane or car. The food was surprisingly great, the rooms and seats were comfortable, and the Amtrak staff were friendly and accommodating. Not bad for my first trip by train.
P.S. In regards to the food, it really was great and puts airline meals to shame. I was leery of ordering the salmon, and yes, before you say it: I know, I know, who orders salmon on a train. But I did, and it was fantastic!
Ducki in the observation car.
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO.
A Wisconsin farm at dusk.