1

Communications Sub-committee

AGENDA

August 7, 2014

1:00 – 3:00 PM

Call-in # 888-396-7314 or 773-756-0935

Passcode: 8020595

CART: global.gotomeeting.com/meeting/join/156105405

1. Welcome – Terry Pacheco, Chair

2. Self-introductions

3. Summary of what has been accomplished

4. Brief Review of Table and notes

5. Issues overview

a. What are completed

b. What still need to be discussed

c. Today’s discussion points:

1. How to make stop request device in vestibules accessible 

2. Back-up power to service emergency notification devices

3. How to make messages accessible when they are exterior to 

the vehicle and are not station-based

d. Proposed timeline for completion

6. September 11 & 12 presentation

a. Sub-committee meeting on the 11th 

b. Update Report to Committee

c. Proposed Recommendations to Committee for action, if any

d. Mark-up signage presentation for committee input

7. Adjourn

I am also including here a statement for your consideration that I would like 

to use as part of our presentation at the September 11th & 12th meeting. --

Terry

SUMMARY

Principles 

These guiding principles have been used in our work. They can help build 

a more inclusive environment.
2

1. Information being conveyed to passengers must be made available to 

all passengers regardless of disability. Whenever feasible, visual, 

tactile, induction loop, described video, electronic software, and other 

universally accessible means should be used so as to provide 

maximum inclusion of all people.

2. Audible announcements must also be made available visually and via 

induction loops.

3. Visual announcements (VMS) must also be made available audibly 

and via induction loop. If the technology provides for high definition 

video, audio description and ALS should also be incorporated.

4. Pre-recorded or automated announcements are recommended over 

human announcements. 
3

Signage Subcommittee

Rail Vehicle Sign Scoping Categories – Work to date after 7/3 Conference Call

Large bold Xs in table boxes indicate category requirements the subcommittee has made decisions on 

(with footnote qualifications in parenthesis). Numbers in boxes indicate votes from committee 

members for requirements on issues still to be discussed. 

Category Tactile & 

Visual

Visual VMS/

Audible

Not 

Required

Rail 

Type

Loop

Directional Signs (includes 

directional Exit Signs)

X

Designation Signs for Spaces 

(includes Exit Signs)

X (e)

Designation Signs for Elements X

Non-Emergency Informational 

Signs

X (b)(f)

Non-Emergency Operational 

Signs

X (d) X (c)

Emergency Informational Signs 1 1

Emergency Operational Signs 1 1

Caution and Safety Signs 

(includes icons and logos)

2

Stop Identification Signs 

(includes train designation, 

route, and final destination)

2 (a) 2

Menus and Directories X

(g)

Employee Only Signs X

(a) 1. All cars must provide variable message signs in two locations so that at least one 

sign is readable from every part of the car. The variable message signs must provide 

equal information as what is provided aurally. If stops are announced, the signs should 

announce stops, if emergencies are announced; the signs should announce 

emergencies, and so forth.2. Where cars provide route map tracking signs in two 

locations so that at least one sign is audible and visible from every part of the car.

(b) Meet the size requirement for visual characters where practicable.

(c) Meet the size requirement for visual characters where practicable. 

(d) Where instructions for door latch/locks are provided they shall be both visual and tactile and be 

located _______. Where a pictogram is provided for these instructions a tactile description shall be 

provided directly adjacent to it. 
4

(e) The ISA shall be provided at required wheelchair spaces and priority seating and be located 

________.

(f) The ISA shall be provided at priority seating and be located __________. 

(g) At least one menu or directory shall comply.

VMS audible versions, stop announcements, and other audible announcements should be pre-recorded, 

high quality messages. Human announcements should be kept to a minimum. This is especially 

important with station stop announcements. 

Service animal relief area information should be made available wherever ISA is placed? I put this in 

only as a jumping off point for the subject.