U.S. Access Board: Rail Vehicles Access Advisory Committee

Subcommittee on Boarding and Alighting – Meeting #2

May 22, 2014

1:00 – 3:00 Eastern

1.0 Introductions

2.0 Approval of the Agenda

3.0 Discussion of subcommittee scope and objectives 

4.0 Discussion on boarding and alighting methods

4.1 Discuss boarding methods and appropriate mode, in probable order of preference to accommodate 

the needs of people with disabilities. Note: Many of these methods could be used in conjunction 

with a bridge plate.

A. Full platform level boarding

B. Set-back platforms

C. Car-borne lifts

D. Mini-high platforms

E. Station-based mobile lifts 

5.0 Discussion on boarding and alighting devices 

5.1 Review of current law and regulations and begin development of recommendations

A. Lifts

B. Ramps

C. Bridge plate

6.0 Planning 

6.1 Develop action items 

6.2 Assign duties and tasks 

6.3 Establish deadlines for deliverables

Attachment: Pictures of Boarding Methods
Level boarding - Full platform level boarding 

Commuter Rail

Level boarding - Full platform level boarding 

High speed Rail

Level boarding - Full platform level boarding 

Light Rail

To the left is a view along the length of a 

commuter rail platform with the train to the 

left positioned for boarding and alighting. 

There is a gap a few inches wide between 

the doorway and the platform and it is filled 

with a short bridge that appears to be 

attached to the car just at an open doorway.

To the left is a view along the length of a 

Chinese high speed rail platform with the 

train to the left positioned for boarding and 

alighting. The door thresholds appear to be 

directly aligned with the platform to 

accommodate level boarding along the full 

length of the train.

To the left is a view along the length of a 

light rail platform with the train to the left 

approaching the boarding and alighting 

area. The door thresholds appear to be 

positioned at the level of the full length of 

the platform.
Mini-high platforms

Commuter or Intercity Rail

 

Car-borne lift

Intercity Rail

Car-borne lift

Commuter Rail

To the left is a view of a short raised 

platform area with shelter and seating. 

Stairs and a ramp lead to this waiting area 

and a sign states, “Board your train here.”

To the left is a view of an intercity or 

commuter rail car with its car-borne lift 

extended. A man using a wheelchair is 

entering the lift as a rail assistant looks on 

and a woman and child approach the stairs 

in the same doorway.

To the left is a view of a commuter rail car 

and its car-borne lift partially raised with a 

man in a wheelchair on-board. A rail 

assistant is resting his hand on the raised 

handrail.
Station based lift?

Intercity rail

Ramp/bridgeplate

Intercity Rail

To the left is a view of an intercity rail car 

next to a low platform. Stairs are extended 

to access the car with the floor 

approximately 30 inches above the 

platform. Many people are standing on the 

platform, but there is no portable, stationbased lift in the picture.

To the left is a view of a station-based lift. It 

appears to be placed under a structure 

where it can be easily accessed, but is out of 

the way. 

To the left is a view of ramp attached to a 

rail car. The floor of the rail car appears to 

be approximately 6-9 inches above the 

platform. The ramp is deployed onto the 

yellow detectable warning strip.