Charleston Leader

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Tammy Duckworth have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at promoting accessibility at Amtrak stations across the country. The proposed Think DIFFERENTLY Transportation Act seeks to address barriers faced by Americans with disabilities when using Amtrak rail services.

Senator Capito emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, "I’m pleased to join Senator Duckworth in introducing this legislation that will hold Amtrak stations accountable to being accessible to disabled passengers." She highlighted the progress made in her hometown of Charleston but acknowledged that there are still stations nationwide lacking in accessibility.

Senator Duckworth echoed these sentiments, noting that despite the Americans with Disabilities Act's mandate for intercity passenger rail to become accessible within 20 years, many Amtrak stations have yet to meet these standards. She stated, "More than 30 years later, too many Amtrak stations fail to live up to that promise."

The bipartisan bill would require Amtrak to submit annual reports to Congress on its compliance with ADA accessibility standards, aiming to ensure that all passengers, including those with disabilities, can access rail services safely and easily. The legislation builds on efforts to improve accessibility in transportation systems, as Senator Duckworth emphasized, "all Americans with disabilities should be able to safely and easily access the transportation systems they need to get around."

The National Disability Rights Network has expressed support for the proposed legislation, underlining the importance of enhancing accessibility at Amtrak stations. As efforts continue to address accessibility challenges, the bipartisan bill represents a step towards promoting inclusivity in transportation infrastructure.