Hi everyone Qman’s train’s here… **Empowering Mobility: The Urgent Need for Wheelchair Accessible Locomotives**

In a world that thrives on connection, mobility is not just a convenience; it is a fundamental right. For individuals with disabilities, the ability to travel freely and independently is often hindered by the inadequacies of our transportation systems. Wheelchair accessible locomotives are not merely an option; they are an essential necessity that can transform lives, foster inclusivity, and promote equality.

Imagine a world where every person, regardless of physical ability, can embark on a journey without barriers. Accessible locomotives can serve as a lifeline for many, opening doors to employment opportunities, education, and social engagement. They allow individuals with mobility challenges to explore new horizons, connect with loved ones, and participate fully in society.

The demand for wheelchair accessible locomotives is not just a matter of compliance with regulations; it is a reflection of our commitment to dignity and respect for all individuals. It sends a powerful message that we value every member of our community and are dedicated to creating environments where everyone can thrive.

Investing in accessible locomotives also benefits society as a whole. By embracing inclusivity, we tap into the potential of a significant segment of the population, fostering diversity and innovation. When we break down barriers, we build a stronger, more resilient community that can adapt and grow together.

As we advocate for accessible transportation, let us remember that every journey begins with a single step. By championing the need for wheelchair accessible locomotives, we are taking that step towards a future where everyone can travel with dignity, independence, and freedom. It is time to prioritize accessibility in our transportation systems and ensure that no one is left behind. Together, we can create a world where every journey is possible for all.

I'm guessing that this is a troll post.

Sadly, there has been at least one "railfan" of our knowledge who would very easily have composed this. He has been discussed here before in the past.

This post is 100% legit I’m in a wheelchair and was born with spina bifida I’m just trying to help others that in the same situation as me

That's actually an interesting post. We've had disabled folks that would've loved to at least get a cab tour. While modifying a loco in use on the general system wouldn't be practical in any way shape or form, I wonder if that's possible for a tourist line with a diesel. Depending on the style and layout of the cab, I'd think it doable to put a side door on the fireman's side for access by an external chair lift or access ramp. It wouldn't be cheap and you have to have a good loco candidate, though.

Friends,

He is not a troll. Enough of that please.

Tom Gears
Moderator

Concept

PC

I really like this concept. I can envision a small diesel locomotive traveling on a tour between museums and heritage railroads as some of the smaller steam locomotives, allowing folks in wheelchairs a hand on the throttle experience. It would be good for perservation and the larger community. I am behind this idea.

Oh, okay, I see the appeal of allowing railfans in wheelchairs to access a (modified) locomotive cab, which should not be difficult to pull off..

I just raised an eyebrow at the below paragraph, which seems to imply that every locomotive, everywhere, must be wheelchair accessible, the same way as Amtrak platforms and coaches (but not coaches on heritage operations), airplanes, restaurants etc. are required to be wheelchair accessible, which is not practical, nor legally mandated, as locomotive cabs are not a "public space":

As much as I’d love for it to be a part of the law for locomotives to be wheelchair accessible I totally understand why they aren’t due to the extra money that it would take but maybe just maybe one of these companies like ns or csx would be willing to make it happen or in my case rj corman

"let us remember that every journey begins with a single step. By championing the need for wheelchair accessible locomotives, we are taking that step"

Unintentional irony?

Apart from high platform boarded transit systems, in which the operators' cab is located at floor level, this doesn't seem to have a practical means of implementation. On a somewhat wider transit note, where I live we have issues finding adequate numbers of bus operators. It seems more possible to have accessible bus drivers stations since the drivers jobs are pretty much handled from a fixed sedentary position which could be accessed from a higher ramp accessed platform at the terminals. Wide cab diesel locomotives could possibly be equipped with side doors and accessed similarly perhaps....... ideas?

The Class 1's have fought this as a ADA claim and won. It's a Safety issue and the FRA concurs.

I have been nudging a community which is considering obtaining a non-functioning display locomotive to at least think about doing a "cutaway" on the side not visible from the entrance, allowing wheelchair access to essentially one whole side via a raised platform with an ADA-compliant ramp at both ends. No luck so far.

Many years ago, two of the visitors to a regional museum I then volunteered at were a woman whose young daughter was blind, and the girl wanted to go up in the cab. In those days there was an airport-like set of rolling steps/platform to allow fairly easy access... at least to the end-cab switchers. With none of the regular volunteer docents available at the moment, I took it upon myself to make sure that unit was completely secured/flagged/etc and I took those two up into the cab and let the girl sit in the engineer's position. She asked me if she could touch the controls, which - to my surprise - she already pretty much knew. I told her to go ahead, but when she got to the reverser handle it would not be there.

She started laughing and kidded me about my preemptively keeping her from going off with the engine. Those two were all smiles, and it was infectious. I am poorly equipped to be the bluebird of happiness, but I did make two people very happy that day. Since that occasion, I look at museums and tourist railroads differently.

I have two young relatives with serious mobility issues, and the closest "train ride" with an ADA lift accommodation is limited to one specific coach car. I believe that venue would increase both revenue and goodwill by providing more options.

In my own opinion, I believe its really a matter of perspective.

I have a friend that has been a paraplegic since the early 1980's. Out of high school he hired on with the Ma & PA, but due to a downturn in traffic, he was furloughed and went to work for a roofing company. He was on a ladder between two eaves of a roof and the ladder slid with him on it and he essentially broke his back. He went on to go through a full therapy program and even compete in the paralympics.

In the late-1990's a local operator was running a dinner train and some of the crew knew this guy and asked him if he wanted go get involved, despite his obvious disability. So, back then when he was doing wheelchair races his arms were like tree trunks so as long as the door was open he could haul himself up the side ladder of an FA-2 unit and pull himself up into the engineers seat and run the locomotive. You don't need you feet to do that. He also had a special wheelchair built for him that was narrow enough to go through the associated dinner train operations passenger cars with those tight passageways. So, for awhile, he was the only certified locomotive engineer in Pennsylvania that was also permanently in a wheelchair.

I took one of his last rides with him as an engineer on the Gettysburg Railroad. I helped him get up onto the walkway of the GP11, then helped him up into the engineers seat. I worked the train as a car attendant and when we stopped for a lunch break, I helped him off the locomotive and we went into the town for food. Passengers that saw me with the guy asked who he was and they were shocked to realize he was the train engineer.

He's now older, and a can't do that anymore, but it was fun while it lasted.

The Americans with disability act requires reasonable accommodations and allows bona fide physical requirements.

See here:

https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/enfo ... -under-ada

A locomotive is not a passenger conveyance and is not a tourist attraction. There is no reason, let alone a "right" based on an "urgent need" to make an HA locomotive. Modern safety expectations demand that the only people in a locomotive are qualified operating and mechanical personnel.

In any case, not "preservation related"; where's the usual topic policing?