Subpart C—Rapid Rail Vehicles and Systems

§38.53 Doorways.

(a) Clear width. (1) Passenger doorways on vehicle sides shall have clear openings at least 32 

inches wide when open. 

(2) If doorways connecting adjoining cars in a multi-car train are provided, and if such doorway is 

connected by an aisle with a minimum clear width of 30 inches to one or more spaces where wheelchair 

or mobility aid users can be accommodated, then such doorway shall have a minimum clear opening of 

30 inches to permit wheelchair and mobility aid users to be evacuated to an adjoining vehicle in an 

emergency.

(b) Signage. The International Symbol of Accessibility shall be displayed on the exterior of 

accessible vehicles operating on an accessible rapid rail system unless all vehicles are accessible and 

are not marked by the access symbol. (See Fig. 6.)

(c) Signals. Auditory and visual warning signals shall be provided to alert passengers of closing 

doors. 

 (d) Coordination with boarding platform—(1) Requirements. Where new vehicles will operate in 

new stations, the design of vehicles shall be coordinated with the boarding platform design such that the 

horizontal gap between each vehicle door at rest and the platform shall be no greater than 3 inches and 

the height of the vehicle floor shall be within plus or minus 5⁄8 inch of the platform height under all normal 

passenger load conditions. Vertical alignment may be accomplished by vehicle air suspension or other 

suitable means of meeting the requirement. 

(2) Exception. New vehicles operating in existing stations may have a floor height within plus or 

minus 11⁄2 inches of the platform height. At key stations, the horizontal gap between at least one door of 

each such vehicle and the platform shall be no greater than 3 inches. 

(3) Exception. Retrofitted vehicles shall be coordinated with the platform in new and key stations 

such that the horizontal gap shall be no greater than 4 inches and the height of the vehicle floor, under 

50% passenger load, shall be within plus or minus 2 inches of the platform height.

Subpart D—Light Rail Vehicles and Systems

§38.73 Doorways.

(a) Clear width—(1) All passenger doorways on vehicle sides shall have minimum clear openings 

of 32 inches when open.

(2) If doorways connecting adjoining cars in a multi-car train are provided, and if such doorway is 

connected by an aisle with a minimum clear width of 30 inches to one or more spaces where wheelchair 

or mobility aid users can be accommodated, then such doorway shall have a minimum clear opening of 

30 inches to permit wheelchair and mobility aid users to be evacuated to an adjoining vehicle in an 

emergency.
(b) Signage. The International Symbol of Accessibility shall be displayed on the exterior of each 

vehicle operating on an accessible light rail system unless all vehicles are accessible and are not marked 

by the access symbol (see fig. 6).

(c) Signals. Auditory and visual warning signals shall be provided to alert passengers of closing 

doors.

(d) Coordination with boarding platform—(1) Requirements. The design of level-entry vehicles 

shall be coordinated with the boarding platform or mini-high platform design so that the horizontal gap 

between a vehicle at rest and the platform shall be no greater than 3 inches and the height of the vehicle 

floor shall be within plus or minus 5⁄8 inch of the platform height. Vertical alignment may be accomplished 

by vehicle air suspension, automatic ramps or lifts, or any combination.

(2) Exception. New vehicles operating in existing stations may have a floor height within plus or 

minus 11⁄2 inches of the platform height. At key stations, the horizontal gap between at least one door of 

each such vehicle and the platform shall be no greater than 3 inches.

(3) Exception. Retrofitted vehicles shall be coordinated with the platform in new and key stations 

such that the horizontal gap shall be no greater than 4 inches and the height of the vehicle floor, under 

50% passenger load, shall be within plus or minus 2 inches of the platform height.

(4) Exception. Where it is not operationally or structurally practicable to meet the horizontal or 

vertical requirements of paragraphs (d) (1), (2) or (3) of this section, platform or vehicle devices complying 

with §38.83(b) or platform or vehicle mounted ramps or bridge plates complying with §38.83(c) shall be 

provided.

§38.83 Mobility aid accessibility.

(a)(1) General. All new light rail vehicles, other than level entry vehicles, covered by this subpart 

shall provide a level-change mechanism or boarding device (e.g., lift, ramp or bridge plate) complying 

with either paragraph (b) or (c) of this section and sufficient clearances to permit at least two wheelchair 

or mobility aid users to reach areas, each with a minimum clear floor space of 48 inches by 30 inches, 

which do not unduly restrict passenger flow. Space to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids may

be provided within the normal area used by standees and designation of specific spaces is not required.

(2) Exception. If lifts, ramps or bridge plates meeting the requirements of this section are provided 

on station platforms or other stops required to be accessible, or mini-high platforms complying with 

§38.73(d) of this part are provided, the vehicle is not required to be equipped with a car-borne device. 

Where each new vehicle is compatible with a single platform-mounted access system or device, 

additional systems or devices are not required for each vehicle provided that the single device could be 

used to provide access to each new vehicle if passengers using wheelchairs or mobility aids could not be 

accommodated on a single vehicle.

(b) Vehicle lift—(1) Design load. The design load of the lift shall be at least 600 pounds. Working 

parts, such as cables, pulleys, and shafts, which can be expected to wear, and upon which the lift 

depends for support of the load, shall have a safety factor of at least six, based on the ultimate strength of 

the material. Nonworking parts, such as platform, frame, and attachment hardware which would not be 

expected to wear, shall have a safety factor of at least three, based on the ultimate strength of the 

material.

(2) Controls—(i) Requirements. The controls shall be interlocked with the vehicle brakes, propulsion 

system, or door, or shall provide other appropriate mechanisms or systems, to ensure that the vehicle 

cannot be moved when the lift is not stowed and so the lift cannot be deployed unless the interlocks or 

systems are engaged. The lift shall deploy to all levels (i.e., ground, curb, and intermediate positions) 
normally encountered in the operating environment. Where provided, each control for deploying, lowering, 

raising, and stowing the lift and lowering the roll-off barrier shall be of a momentary contact type requiring 

continuous manual pressure by the operator and shall not allow improper lift sequencing when the lift 

platform is occupied. The controls shall allow reversal of the lift operation sequence, such as raising or 

lowering a platform that is part way down, without allowing an occupied platform to fold or retract into the 

stowed position.

(ii) Exception. Where physical or safety constraints prevent the deployment at some stops of a lift 

having its long dimension perpendicular to the vehicle axis, the transportation entity may specify a lift 

which is designed to deploy with its long dimension parallel to the vehicle axis and which pivots into or out 

of the vehicle while occupied (i.e., “rotary lift”). The requirements of paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section 

prohibiting the lift from being stowed while occupied shall not apply to a lift design of this type if the 

stowed position is within the passenger compartment and the lift is intended to be stowed while occupied.

(iii) Exception. The brake or propulsion system interlocks requirement does not apply to a station 

platform mounted lift provided that a mechanical, electrical or other system operates to ensure that 

vehicles do not move when the lift is in use.

(3) Emergency operation. The lift shall incorporate an emergency method of deploying, lowering to 

ground level with a lift occupant, and raising and stowing the empty lift if the power to the lift fails. No 

emergency method, manual or otherwise, shall be capable of being operated in a manner that could be 

hazardous to the lift occupant or to the operator when operated according to manufacturer's instructions, 

and shall not permit the platform to be stowed or folded when occupied, unless the lift is a rotary lift 

intended to be stowed while occupied.

(4) Power or equipment failure. Lift platforms stowed in a vertical position, and deployed platforms 

when occupied, shall have provisions to prevent their deploying, falling, or folding any faster than 12 

inches/second or their dropping of an occupant in the event of a single failure of any load carrying 

component. 

(5) Platform barriers. The lift platform shall be equipped with barriers to prevent any of the wheels of 

a wheelchair or mobility aid from rolling off the lift during its operation. A movable barrier or inherent 

design feature shall prevent a wheelchair or mobility aid from rolling off the edge closest to the vehicle 

until the lift is in its fully raised position. Each side of the lift platform which extends beyond the vehicle in 

its raised position shall have a barrier a minimum 11⁄2 inches high. Such barriers shall not interfere with 

maneuvering into or out of the aisle. The loading-edge barrier (outer barrier) which functions as a loading 

ramp when the lift is at ground level, shall be sufficient when raised or closed, or a supplementary system 

shall be provided, to prevent a power wheelchair or mobility aid from riding over or defeating it. The outer 

barrier on the outboard of the lift shall automatically rise or close, or a supplementary system shall 

automatically engage, and remain raised, closed, or engaged at all times that the lift is more than 3 

inches above the station platform or roadway and the lift is occupied. Alternatively, a barrier or system 

may be raised, lowered, opened, closed, engaged or disengaged by the lift operator provided an interlock 

or inherent design feature prevents the lift from rising unless the barrier is raised or closed or the 

supplementary system is engaged.

(6) Platform surface. The lift platform surface shall be free of any protrusions over 1⁄4 inch high and 

shall be slip resistant. The lift platform shall have a minimum clear width of 281⁄2 inches at the platform, a 

minimum clear width of 30 inches measured from 2 inches above the lift platform surface to 30 inches 

above the surface, and a minimum clear length of 48 inches measured from 2 inches above the surface 

of the platform to 30 inches above the surface. (See Fig. 1)

(7) Platform gaps. Any openings between the lift platform surface and the raised barriers shall not 

exceed 5⁄8 inch wide. When the lift is at vehicle floor height with the inner barrier (if applicable) down or 

retracted, gaps between the forward lift platform edge and vehicle floor shall not exceed 1⁄2 inch 
horizontally and 5

⁄8 inch vertically. Platforms on semi-automatic lifts may have a hand hold not exceeding 

1

1

⁄2 inches by 4

1

⁄2 inches located between the edge barriers.

(8) Platform entrance ramp. The entrance ramp, or loading-edge barrier used as a ramp, shall not 

exceed a slope of 1:8 measured on level ground, for a maximum rise of 3 inches, and the transition from 

the station platform or roadway to ramp may be vertical without edge treatment up to 1⁄4 inch. Thresholds 

between 1⁄4 inch and 1⁄2 inch high shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2.

(9) Platform deflection. The lift platform (not including the entrance ramp) shall not deflect more than 

3 degrees (exclusive of vehicle roll) in any direction between its unloaded position and its position when 

loaded with 600 pounds applied through a 26 inch by 26 inch test pallet at the centroid of the lift platform.

(10) Platform movement. No part of the platform shall move at a rate exceeding 6 inches/second 

during lowering and lifting an occupant, and shall not exceed 12 inches/second during deploying or 

stowing. This requirement does not apply to the deployment or stowage cycles of lifts that are manually 

deployed or stowed. The maximum platform horizontal and vertical acceleration when occupied shall be 

0.3g.

(11) Boarding direction. The lift shall permit both inboard and outboard facing of wheelchairs and 

mobility aids.

(12) Use by standees. Lifts shall accommodate persons using walkers, crutches, canes or braces or 

who otherwise have difficulty using steps. The lift may be marked to indicate a preferred standing 

position.

(13) Handrails. Platforms on lifts shall be equipped with handrails, on two sides, which move in 

tandem with the lift which shall be graspable and provide support to standees throughout the entire lift 

operation. Handrails shall have a usable component at least 8 inches long with the lowest portion a 

minimum 30 inches above the platform and the highest portion a maximum 38 inches above the platform. 

The handrails shall be capable of withstanding a force of 100 pounds concentrated at any point on the 

handrail without permanent deformation of the rail or its supporting structure. Handrails shall have a 

cross-sectional diameter between 11⁄4 inches and 11⁄2 inches or shall provide an equivalent grasping 

surface, and have eased edges with corner radii of not less than 1⁄8 inch. Handrails shall be placed to 

provide a minimum 11⁄2 inches knuckle clearance from the nearest adjacent surface. Handrails shall not 

interfere with wheelchair or mobility aid maneuverability when entering or leaving the vehicle. 

(c) Vehicle ramp or bridge plate—(1) Design load. Ramps or bridge plates 30 inches or longer 

shall support a load of 600 pounds, placed at the centroid of the ramp or bridge plate distributed over an 

area of 26 inches, with a safety factor of at least 3 based on the ultimate strength of the material. Ramps 

or bridge plates shorter than 30 inches shall support a load of 300 pounds.

(2) Ramp surface. The ramp or bridge plate surface shall be continuous and slip resistant, shall not 

have protrusions from the surface greater then 1⁄4 inch, shall have a clear width of 30 inches, and shall 

accommodate both four-wheel and three-wheel mobility aids.

(3) Ramp threshold. The transition from roadway or station platform and the transition from vehicle 

floor to the ramp or bridge plate may be vertical without edge treatment up to 1⁄4 inch. Changes in level 

between 1⁄4 inch and 1⁄2 inch shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2.

(4) Ramp barriers. Each side of the ramp or bridge plate shall have barriers at least 2 inches high to 

prevent mobility aid wheels from slipping off.
(5) Slope. Ramps or bridge plates shall have the least slope practicable. If the height of the vehicle 

floor, under 50% passenger load, from which the ramp is deployed is 3 inches or less above the station 

platform a maximum slope of 1:4 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger 

load, from which the ramp is deployed is 6 inches or less, but more than 3 inches, above the station 

platform a maximum slope of 1:6 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger 

load, from which the ramp is deployed is 9 inches or less, but more than 6 inches, above the station 

platform a maximum slope of 1:8 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger 

load, from which the ramp is deployed is greater than 9 inches above the station platform a slope of 1:12 

shall be achieved. Folding or telescoping ramps are permitted provided they meet all structural 

requirements of this section.

(6) Attachment—(i) Requirement. When in use for boarding or alighting, the ramp or bridge plate 

shall be attached to the vehicle, or otherwise prevented from moving such that it is not subject to 

displacement when loading or unloading a heavy power mobility aid and that any gaps between vehicle 

and ramp or bridge plate, and station platform and ramp or bridge plate, shall not exceed 5⁄8 inch.

(ii) Exception. Ramps or bridge plates which are attached to, and deployed from, station platforms 

are permitted in lieu of vehicle devices provided they meet the displacement requirements of paragraph 

(c)(6)(i) of this section.

(7) Stowage. A compartment, securement system, or other appropriate method shall be provided to 

ensure that stowed ramps or bridge plates, including portable ramps or bridges plates stowed in the 

passenger area, do not impinge on a passenger's wheelchair or mobility aid or pose any hazard to 

passengers in the event of a sudden stop.

(8) Handrails. If provided, handrails shall allow persons with disabilities to grasp them from outside 

the vehicle while starting to board, and to continue to use them throughout the boarding process, and 

shall have the top between 30 inches and 38 inches above the ramp surface. The handrails shall be 

capable of withstanding a force of 100 pounds concentrated at any point on the handrail without 

permanent deformation of the rail or its supporting structure. The handrail shall have a cross- sectional 

diameter between 11⁄4 inches and 11⁄2 inches or shall provide an equivalent grasping surface, and have 

“eased” edges with corner radii of not less than 1⁄8 inch. Handrails shall not interfere with wheelchair or 

mobility aid maneuverability when entering or leaving the vehicle.

§38.85 Between-car barriers.

Where vehicles operate in a high-platform, level-boarding mode, devices or systems shall be 

provided to prevent, deter or warn individuals from inadvertently stepping off the platform between cars. 

Appropriate devices include, but are not limited to, pantograph gates, chains, motion detectors or other 

suitable devices.

Subpart E—Commuter Rail Cars and Systems

§38.91 General.

(c)(1) Commuter rail cars shall comply with §§38.93(d) and 38.109 of this part for level boarding

unless structurally or operationally impracticable.

(2) Where level boarding is structurally or operationally impracticable, commuter rail cars shall 

comply §38.95 of this part.
§38.93 Doorways.

(a) Clear width. (1) At least one door on each side of the car from which passengers board opening 

onto station platforms and at least one adjacent doorway into the passenger coach compartment, if 

provided, shall have a minimum clear opening of 32 inches.

(2) If doorways connecting adjoining cars in a multi-car train are provided, and if such doorway is 

connected by an aisle with a minimum clear width of 30 inches to one or more spaces where wheelchair 

or mobility aid users can be accommodated, then such doorway shall have, to the maximum extent 

practicable in accordance with the regulations issued under the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 (49 

CFR parts 229 and 231), a clear opening of 30 inches.

(b) Passageways. A route at least 32 inches wide shall be provided from doors required to be 

accessible by paragraph (a)(1) of this section to seating locations complying with §38.95(d) of this part. In 

cars where such doorways require passage through a vestibule, such vestibule shall have a minimum 

width of 42 inches. (See Fig. 3.)

(c) Signals. If doors to the platform close automatically or from a remote location, auditory and visual 

warning signals shall be provided to alert passengers or closing doors.

(d) Coordination with boarding platform—(1) Requirements. Cars operating in stations with high 

platforms, or mini-high platforms, shall be coordinated with the boarding platform design such that the 

horizontal gap between a car at rest and the platform shall be no greater than 3 inches and the height of 

the car floor shall be within plus or minus 5⁄8 inch of the platform height. Vertical alignment may be 

accomplished by car air suspension, platform lifts or other devices, or any combination.

(2) Exception. New vehicles operating in existing stations may have a floor height within plus or 

minus 11⁄2 inches of the platform height. At key stations, the horizontal gap between at least one 

accessible door of each such vehicle and the platform shall be no greater than 3 inches.

(3) Exception. Where platform set-backs do not allow the horizontal gap or vertical alignment 

specified in paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this section, car, platform or portable lifts complying with 

§38.95(b) of this part, or car or platform ramps or bridge plates, complying with §38.95(c) of this part, shall 

be provided,ensuring compliance with section 37.42, where applicable.

(4) Exception. Retrofitted vehicles shall be coordinated with the platform in new and key stations 

such that the horizontal gap shall be no greater than 4 inches and the height of the vehicle floor, under 

50% passenger load, shall be within plus or minus 2 inches of the platform height.

(e) Signage. The International Symbol of Accessibility shall be displaced on the exterior of all doors 

complying with this section unless all cars are accessible and are not marked by the access symbol (see 

Fig. 6). Appropriate signage shall also indicate which accessible doors are adjacent to an accessible 

restroom, if applicable.

[56 FR 45756, Sept. 6, 1991, as amended at 76 FR 57939, Sept. 19, 2011]

§38.95 Mobility aid accessibility.

(a)(1) General. All new commuter rail cars, other than level entry cars, covered by this subpart shall 

provide a level-change mechanism or boarding device (e.g., lift, ramp or bridge plate) complying with 

either paragraph (b) or (c) of this section; sufficient clearances to permit a wheelchair or mobility aid user 

to reach a seating location; and at least two wheelchair or mobility aid seating locations complying with 

paragraph (d) of this section.
(2) Exception. If level-entry boarding, portable or platform lifts, ramps or bridge plates meeting the 

applicable requirements of this section are provided on station platforms or other stops required to be 

accessible, or mini-high platforms complying with §38.93(d) are provided, the car is not required to be 

equipped with a car-borne device. The access systems or devices used at a station to which section 

37.42 applies must permit compliance with that section.

(b) Car Lift—(1) Design load. The design load of the lift shall be at least 600 pounds. Working parts, 

such as cables, pulleys, and shafts, which can be expected to wear, and upon which the lift depends for 

support of the load, shall have a safety factor of at least six, based on the ultimate strength of the 

material. Nonworking parts, such as platform, frame, and attachment hardware which would not be 

expected to wear, shall have a safety factor of at least three, based on the ultimate strength of the 

material.

(2) Controls—(i) Requirements. The controls shall be interlocked with the car brakes, propulsion 

system, or door, or shall provide other appropriate mechanisms or systems, to ensure that the car cannot 

be moved when the lift is not stowed and so the lift cannot be deployed unless the interlocks or systems 

are engaged. The lift shall deploy to all platform levels normally encountered in the operating 

environment. Where provided, each control for deploying, lowering, raising, and stowing the lift and 

lowering the roll-off barrier shall be of a monetary contact type requiring continuous manual pressure by

the operator and shall not allow improper lift sequencing when the lift platform is occupied. The controls 

shall allow reversal of the lift operation sequence, such as raising or lowering a platform that is part way 

down, without allowing an occupied platform to fold or retract into the stowed position. 

(ii) Exception. Where physical or safety constraints prevent the deployment at some stops of a lift 

having its long dimension perpendicular to the car axis, the transportation entity may specify a lift which is 

designed to deploy with its long dimension parallel to the car axis and which pivots into or out of the car 

while occupied (i.e., “rotary lift”). The requirements of paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section prohibiting the lift 

from being stowed while occupied shall not apply to a lift design of this type if the stowed position is within 

the passenger compartment and the lift is intended to be stowed while occupied.

(iii) Exception. The brake or propulsion system interlock requirement does not apply to a platform 

mounted or portable lift provided that a mechanical, electrical or other system operates to ensure that 

cars do not move when the lift is in use.

(3) Emergency operation. The lift shall incorporate an emergency method of deploying, lowering to 

ground or platform level with a lift occupant, and raising and stowing the empty lift if the power to the lift 

fails. No emergency method, manual or otherwise, shall be capable of being operated in a manner that 

could be hazardous to the lift occupant or to the operator when operated according to manufacturer's 

instructions, and shall not permit the platform to be stowed or folded when occupied, unless the lift is a 

rotary lift intended to be stowed while occupied.

(4) Power or equipment failure. Platforms stowed in a vertical position, and deployed platforms when 

occupied, shall have provisions to prevent their deploying, falling, or folding any faster than 12 

inches/second or their dropping of an occupant in the event of a single failure of any load carrying 

component.

(5) Platform barriers. The lift platform shall be equipped with barriers to prevent any of the wheels of 

a wheelchair or mobility aid from rolling off the lift during its operation. A movable barrier or inherent 

design feature shall prevent a wheelchair or mobility aid from rolling off the edge closest to the car until 

the lift is in its fully raised position. Each side of the lift platform which, in its raised position, extends 

beyond the car shall have a barrier a minimum 11⁄2 inches high. Such barriers shall not interfere with 

maneuvering into or out of the car. The loading-edge barrier (outer barrier) which functions as a loading 

ramp when the lift is at ground or station platform level, shall be sufficient when raised or closed, or a 

supplementary system shall be provided, to prevent a power wheelchair or mobility aid from riding over or 
defeating it. The outer barrier of the lift shall automatically rise or close, or a supplementary system shall 

automatically engage, and remain raised, closed, or engaged at all times that the lift platform is more than 

3 inches above the station platform and the lift is occupied. Alternatively, a barrier or system may be 

raised, lowered, opened, closed, engaged or disengaged by the lift operator provided an interlock or 

inherent design feature prevents the lift from rising unless the barrier is raised or closed or the 

supplementary system is engaged.

(6) Platform surface. The lift platform surface shall be free of any protrusions over 1⁄4 inch high and 

shall be slip resistant. The lift platform shall have a minimum clear width of 281⁄2 inches at the platform, a 

minimum clear width of 30 inches measured from 2 inches above the lift platform surface to 30 inches 

above the surface, and a minimum clear length of 48 inches measured from 2 inches above the surface 

of the platform to 30 inches above the surface. (See Fig. 1)

(7) Platform gaps. Any openings between the lift platform surface and the raised barriers shall not 

exceed 5⁄8 inch wide. When the lift is at car floor height with the inner barrier down (if applicable) or 

retracted, gaps between the forward lift platform edge and car floor shall not exceed 1⁄2 inch horizontally 

and 5⁄8 inch vertically.

(8) Platform entrance ramp. The entrance ramp, or loading-edge barrier used as a ramp, shall not 

exceed a slope of 1:8, when measured on level ground, for a maximum rise of 3 inches, and the transition 

from station platform to ramp may be vertical without edge treatment up to 1⁄4 inch. Thresholds between 1⁄4

inch and 1⁄2 inch high shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2.

(9) Platform deflection. The lift platform (not including the entrance ramp) shall not deflect more than 

3 degrees (exclusive of vehicle roll) in any direction between its unloaded position and its position when 

loaded with 600 pounds applied through a 26 inch by 26 inch test pallet at the centroid of the lift platform.

(10) Platform movement. No part of the platform shall move at a rate exceeding 6 inches/second 

during lowering and lifting an occupant, and shall not exceed 12 inches/second during deploying or 

stowing. This requirement does not apply to the deployment or stowage cycles of lifts that are manually 

deployed or stowed. The maximum platform horizontal and vertical acceleration when occupied shall be 

0.3g.

(11) Boarding direction. The lift shall permit both inboard and outboard facing of wheelchairs and 

mobility aids.

(12) Use by standees. Lifts shall accommodate persons using walkers, crutches, canes or braces or 

who otherwise have difficulty using steps. The lift may be marked to indicate a preferred standing 

position.

(13) Handrails. Platforms on lifts shall be equipped with handrails, on two sides, which move in 

tandem with the lift which shall be graspable and provide support to standees throughout the entire lift 

operation. Handrails shall have a usable component at least 8 inches long with the lowest portion a 

minimum 30 inches above the platform and the highest portion a maximum 38 inches above the platform. 

The handrails shall be capable of withstanding a force of 100 pounds concentrated at any point on the 

handrail without permanent deformation of the rail or its supporting structure. The handrail shall have a 

cross-sectional diameter between 11⁄4 inches and 11⁄2 inches or shall provide an equivalent grasping 

surface, and have eased edges with corner radii of not less than 1⁄8 inch. Handrails shall be placed to 

provide a minimum 11⁄2 inches knuckle clearance from the nearest adjacent surface. Handrails shall not 

interfere with wheelchair or mobility aid maneuverability when entering or leaving the car.

(c) Car ramp or bridge plate—(1) Design load. Ramps or bridge plates 30 inches or longer shall 

support a load of 600 pounds, placed at the centroid of the ramp or bridge plate distributed over an area 
of 26 inches by 26 inches, with a safety factor of at least 3 based on the ultimate strength of the material. 

Ramps or bridge plates shorter than 30 inches shall support a load of 300 pounds. 

(2) Ramp surface. The ramp or bridge plate surface shall be continuous and slip resistant, shall not 

have protrusions from the surface greater than 1⁄4 inch high, shall have a clear width of 30 inches and shall 

accommodate both four-wheel and three-wheel mobility aids. 

(3) Ramp threshold. The transition from station platform to the ramp or bridge plate and the 

transition from car floor to the ramp or bridge plate may be vertical without edge treatment up to 1⁄4 inch. 

Changes in level between 1⁄4 inch and 1⁄2 inch shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. 

(4) Ramp barriers. Each side of the ramp or bridge plate shall have barriers at least 2 inches high to 

prevent mobility aid wheels from slipping off. 

(5) Slope. Ramps or bridge plates shall have the least slope practicable. If the height of the vehicle 

floor, under 50% passenger load, from which the ramp is deployed is 3 inches or less above the station 

platform a maximum slope of 1:4 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger 

load, from which the ramp is deployed is 6 inches or less, but more than 3 inches, above the station 

platform a maximum slope of 1:6 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger 

load, from which the ramp is deployed is 9 inches or less, but more than 6 inches, above the station 

platform a maximum slope of 1:8 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger 

load, from which the ramp is deployed is greater than 9 inches above the station platform a slope of 1:12 

shall be achieved. Folding or telescoping ramps are permitted provided they meet all structural 

requirements of this section. 

(6) Attachment—(i) Requirement. When in use for boarding or alighting, the ramp or bridge plate 

shall be attached to the vehicle, or otherwise prevented from moving such that it is not subject to 

displacement when loading or unloading a heavy power mobility aid and that any gaps between vehicle 

and ramp or bridge plate, and station platform and ramp or bridge plate, shall not exceed 5⁄8 inch. 

(ii) Exception. Ramps or bridge plates which are attached to, and deployed from, station platforms 

are permitted in lieu of car devices provided they meet the displacement requirements of paragraph 

(c)(6)(i) of this section. 

§38.109 Between-car barriers.

Where vehicles operate in a high-platform, level-boarding mode, and where between-car bellows 

are not provided, devices or systems shall be provided to prevent, deter or warn individuals from 

inadvertently stepping off the platform between cars. Appropriate devices include, but are not limited to, 

pantograph gates, chains, motion detectors or other suitable devices.

Subpart F—Intercity Rail Cars and Systems

§38.113 Doorways.

(a) Clear width. (1) At least one doorway, on each side of the car from which passengers board, of 

each car required to be accessible by §38.111(a) and where the spaces required by §38.111(d) of this 

part are located, and at least one adjacent doorway into coach passenger compartments shall have a 

minimum clear opening width of 32 inches. 
(2) Doorways at ends of cars connecting two adjacent cars, to the maximum extent practicable in 

accordance with regulations issued under the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 (49 CFR parts 229 and 

231), shall have a clear opening width of 32 inches to permit wheelchair and mobility aid users to enter 

into a single-level dining car, if available. 

(b) Passageway. Doorways required to be accessible by paragraph (a) of this section shall permit 

access by persons using mobility aids and shall have an unobstructed passageway at least 32 inches 

wide leading to an accessible sleeping compartment complying with §38.127 of this part or seating 

locations complying with §38.125(d) of this part. In cars where such doorways require passage through a 

vestibule, such vestibule shall have a minimum width of 42 inches. (see Fig. 4)

(c) Signals. If doors to the platform close automatically or from a remote location, auditory and visual 

warning signals shall be provided to alert passengers of closing doors. 

(d) Coordination with boarding platforms—(1) Requirements. Cars which provide level-boarding 

in stations with high platforms shall be coordinated with the boarding platform or mini-high platform design 

such that the horizontal gap between a car at rest and the platform shall be no greater than 3 inches and 

the height of the car floor shall be within plus or minus 5⁄8 inch of the platform height. Vertical alignment 

may be accomplished by car air suspension, platform lifts or other devices, or any combination. 

(2) Exception. New cars operating in existing stations may have a floor height within plus or minus 

1

1

⁄2 inches of the platform height. 

(3) Exception. Where platform set-backs do not allow the horizontal gap or vertical alignment 

specified in paragraph (d) (1) or (2), platform or portable lifts complying with §38.125(b) of this part, or car 

or platform bridge plates, complying with §38.125(c) of this part, may be provided ensuring compliance 

with section 37.42, where applicable. 

(4) Exception. Retrofitted vehicles shall be coordinated with the platform in existing stations such 

that the horizontal gap shall be no greater than 4 inches and the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% 

passenger load, shall be within plus or minus 2 inches of the platform height. 

(e) Signage. The International Symbol of Accessibility shall be displayed on the exterior of all doors 

complying with this section unless all cars and doors are accessible and are not marked by the access 

symbol (see fig. 6). Appropriate signage shall also indicate which accessible doors are adjacent to an 

accessible restroom, if applicable. 

§38.125 Mobility aid accessibility.

(a)(1) General. All intercity rail cars, other than level entry cars, required to be accessible by 

§§38.111 (a) and (e) of this subpart shall provide a level-change mechanism or boarding device (e.g., lift, 

ramp or bridge plate) complying with either paragraph (b) or (c) of this section and sufficient clearances to 

permit a wheelchair or other mobility aid user to reach a seating location complying with paragraph (d) of 

this section.

(2) Exception. If level-entry boarding, portable or platform lifts, ramps or bridge plates meeting the 

applicable requirements of this section are provided on station platforms or other stops required to be 

accessible, or mini-high platforms complying with §38.113(d) are provided, the car is not required to be 

equipped with a car-borne device. The access systems or devices used at a station to which section 

37.42 applies must permit compliance with that section. 

(b) Car Lift—(1) Design load. The design load of the lift shall be at least 600 pounds. Working parts, 

such as cables, pulleys, and shafts, which can be expected to wear, and upon which the lift depends for 
support of the load, shall have a safety factor of at least six, based on the ultimate strength of the 

material. Nonworking parts, such as platform, frame, and attachment hardware which would not be 

expected to wear, shall have a safety factor of at least three, based on the ultimate strength of the 

material.

(2) Controls—(i) Requirements. The controls shall be interlocked with the car brakes, propulsion 

system, or door, or shall provide other appropriate mechanisms or systems, to ensure that the car cannot 

be moved when the lift is not stowed and so the lift cannot be deployed unless the interlocks or systems 

are engaged. The lift shall deploy to all platform levels normally encountered in the operating 

environment. Where provided, each control for deploying, lowering, raising, and stowing the lift and 

lowering the roll-off barrier shall be of a monetary contact type requiring continuous manual pressure by 

the operator and shall not allow improper lift sequencing when the lift platform is occupied. The controls 

shall allow reversal of the lift operation sequence, such as raising or lowering a platform that is part way 

down, without allowing an occupied platform to fold or retract into the stowed position.

(ii) Exception. Where physical or safety constraints prevent the deployment at some stops of a lift 

having its long dimension perpendicular to the car axis, the transportation entity may specify a lift which is 

designed to deploy with its long dimension parallel to the car axis and which pivots into or out of the car 

while occupied (i.e., “rotary lift”). The requirements of paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section prohibiting the lift 

from being stowed while occupied shall not apply to a lift design of this type if the stowed position is within 

the passenger compartment and the lift is intended to be stowed while occupied.

(iii) Exception. The brake or propulsion system interlocks requirement does not apply to platform 

mounted or portable lifts provided that a mechanical, electrical or other system operates to ensure that 

cars do not move when the lift is in use.

(3) Emergency operation. The lift shall incorporate an emergency method of deploying, lowering to 

ground or station platform level with a lift occupant, and raising and stowing the empty lift if the power to 

the lift fails. No emergency method, manual or otherwise, shall be capable of being operated in a manner 

that could be hazardous to the lift occupant or to the operator when operated according to manufacturer's 

instructions, and shall not permit the platform to be stowed or folded when occupied, unless the lift is a 

rotary lift and is intended to be stowed while occupied.

(4) Power or equipment failure. Platforms stowed in a vertical position, and deployed platforms when 

occupied, shall have provisions to prevent their deploying, falling, or folding any faster than 12 

inches/second or their dropping of an occupant in the event of a single failure of any load carrying 

component.

(5) Platform barriers. The lift platform shall be equipped with barriers to prevent any of the wheels of 

a wheelchair or mobility aid from rolling off the lift during its operation. A movable barrier or inherent 

design feature shall prevent a wheelchair or mobility aid from rolling off the edge closest to the car until 

the lift is in its fully raised position. Each side of the lift platform which, in its raised position, extends 

beyond the car shall have a barrier a minimum 11⁄2 inches high. Such barriers shall not interfere with 

maneuvering into or out of the car. The loading-edge barrier (outer barrier) which functions as a loading 

ramp when the lift is at ground or station platform level, shall be sufficient when raised or closed, or a 

supplementary system shall be provided, to prevent a power wheelchair or mobility aid from riding over or 

defeating it. The outer barrier of the lift shall automatically rise or close, or a supplementary system shall 

automatically engage, and remain raised, closed, or engaged at all times that the lift platform is more than 

3 inches above the station platform and the lift is occupied. Alternatively, a barrier or system may be 

raised, lowered, opened, closed, engaged or disengaged by the lift operator provided an interlock or 

inherent design feature prevents the lift from rising unless the barrier is raised or closed or the 

supplementary system is engaged.
(6) Platform surface. The lift platform surface shall be free of any protrusions over 1

⁄4 inch high and 

shall be slip resistant. The lift platform shall have a minimum clear width of 281⁄2 inches at the platform, a 

minimum clear width of 30 inches measured from 2 inches above the lift platform surface to 30 inches 

above the surface, and a minimum clear length of 48 inches measured from 2 inches above the surface 

of the platform to 30 inches above the surface. (See Fig. 1.)

(7) Platform gaps. Any openings between the lift platform surface and the raised barriers shall not 

exceed 5⁄8 inch wide. When the lift is at car floor height with the inner barrier (if applicable) down or 

retracted, gaps between the forward lift platform edge and car floor shall not exceed 1⁄2 inch horizontally

and 5⁄8 inch vertically.

(8) Platform entrance ramp. The entrance ramp, or loading-edge barrier used as a ramp, shall not 

exceed a slope of 1:8, when measured on level ground, for a maximum rise of 3 inches, and the transition 

from station platform to ramp may be vertical without edge treatment up to 1⁄4 inch. Thresholds between 1⁄4

inch and 1⁄2 inch high shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2.

(9) Platform deflection. The lift platform (not including the entrance ramp) shall not deflect more than 

3 degrees (exclusive of car roll) in any direction between its unloaded position and its position when 

loaded with 600 pounds applied through a 26 inch by 26 inch test pallet at the centroid of the lift platform.

(10) Platform movement. No part of the platform shall move at a rate exceeding 6 inches/second 

during lowering and lifting an occupant, and shall not exceed 12 inches/second during deploying or 

stowing. This requirement does not apply to the deployment or stowage cycles of lifts that are manually 

deployed or stowed. The maximum platform horizontal and vertical acceleration when occupied shall be 

0.3g.

(11) Boarding direction. The lift shall permit both inboard and outboard facing of wheelchairs and 

mobility aids.

(12) Use by standees. Lifts shall accommodate persons using walkers, crutches, canes or braces or 

who otherwise have difficulty using steps. The lift may be marked to indicate a preferred standing 

position.

(13) Handrails. Platforms on lifts shall be equipped with handrails, on two sides, which move in 

tandem with the lift, and which shall be graspable and provide support to standees throughout the entire 

lift operation. Handrails shall have a usable component at least 8 inches long with the lowest portion a 

minimum 30 inches above the platform and the highest portion a maximum 38 inches above the platform. 

The handrails shall be capable of withstanding a force of 100 pounds concentrated at any point on the 

handrail without permanent deformation of the rail or its supporting structure. The handrail shall have a 

cross-sectional diameter between 11⁄4 inches and 11⁄2 inches or shall provide an equivalent grasping 

surface, and have eased edges with corner radii of not less than 1⁄8 inch. Handrails shall be placed to 

provide a minimum 11⁄2 inches knuckle clearance from the nearest adjacent surface. Handrails shall not 

interfere with wheelchair or mobility aid maneuverability when entering or leaving the car.

(c) Car ramp or bridge plate—(1) Design load. Ramps or bridge plates 30 inches or longer shall 

support a load of 600 pounds, placed at the centroid of the ramp or bridge plate distributed over an area 

of 26 inches by 26 inches, with a safety factor of at least 3 based on the ultimate strength of the material. 

Ramps or bridge plates shorter than 30 inches shall support a load of 300 pounds.

(2) Ramp surface. The ramp or bridge plate surface shall be continuous and slip resistant, shall not 

have protrusions from the surface greater than 1⁄4 inch high, shall have a clear width of 30 inches and shall 

accommodate both four-wheel and three-wheel mobility aids.
(3) Ramp threshold. The transition from station platform to the ramp or bridge plate and the 

transition from car floor to the ramp or bridge plate may be vertical without edge treatment up to 1⁄4 inch. 

Changes in level between 1⁄4 inch and 1⁄2 inch shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2.

(4) Ramp barriers. Each side of the ramp or bridge plate shall have barriers at least 2 inches high to 

prevent mobility aid wheels from slipping off.

(5) Slope. Ramps or bridge plates shall have the least slope practicable. If the height of the vehicle 

floor, under 50% passenger load, from which the ramp is deployed is 3 inches or less above the station 

platform a maximum slope of 1:4 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger 

load, from which the ramp is deployed is 6 inches or less, but more than 3 inches, above the station 

platform a maximum slope of 1:6 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger 

load, from which the ramp is deployed is 9 inches or less, but more than 6 inches, above the station 

platform a maximum slope of 1:8 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger 

load, from which the ramp is deployed is greater than 9 inches above the station platform a slope of 1:12 

shall be achieved. Folding or telescoping ramps are permitted provided they meet all structural 

requirements of this section.

(6) Attachment—(i) Requirement. When in use for boarding or alighting, the ramp or bridge plate 

shall be attached to the vehicle, or otherwise prevented from moving such that it is not subject to 

displacement when loading or unloading a heavy power mobility aid and that any gaps between vehicle 

and ramp or bridge plate, and station platform and ramp or bridge plate, shall not exceed 5⁄8 inch.

(ii) Exception. Ramps or bridge plates which are attached to, and deployed from, station platforms 

are permitted in lieu of car devices provided they meet the displacement requirements of paragraph 

(c)(6)(i) of this section.

Subpart H—Other Vehicles and Systems

§38.173 Automated guideway transit vehicles and systems.

(a) Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) vehicles and systems, sometimes called “people movers”, 

operated in airports and other areas where AGT vehicles travel at slow speed (i.e., at a speed of no more 

than 20 miles per hour at any location on their route during normal operation), shall comply with the 

provisions of §38.53 (a) through (c), and §§38.55 through 38.61 of this part for rapid rail vehicles and 

systems.

(b) Where the vehicle covered by paragraph (a) will operate in an accessible station, the design of 

vehicles shall be coordinated with the boarding platform design such that the horizontal gap between 

a vehicle door at rest and the platform shall be no greater than 1 inch and the height of the vehicle floor 

shall be within plus or minus 1⁄2 inch of the platform height under all normal passenger load conditions. 

Vertical alignment may be accomplished by vehicle air suspension or other suitable means of meeting the 

requirement.

(c) In stations where open platforms are not protected by platform screens, a suitable device or 

system shall be provided to prevent, deter or warn individuals from stepping off the platform between 

cars. Acceptable devices include, but are not limited to, pantograph gates, chains, motion detectors or 

other appropriate devices.

(d) Light rail and rapid rail AGT vehicles and systems shall comply with subparts D and C of this 

part, respectively. AGT systems whose vehicles travel at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour at any 
location on their route during normal operation are covered under this paragraph rather than under 

paragraph (a) of this section.

§38.175 High-speed rail cars, monorails and systems.

(a) All cars for high-speed rail systems, including but not limited to those using “maglev” or high 

speed steel-wheel-on-steel rail technology, and monorail systems operating primarily on dedicated rail 

(i.e., not used by freight trains) or guideway, in which stations are constructed in accordance with part 37, 

subpart C of this title, shall be designed for high-platform, level boarding and shall comply with 

§38.111(a) of this part for each type of car which is similar to intercity rail, §§38.111(d), 38.113 (a) 

through (c) and (e), 38.115 (a) and (b), 38.117 (a) and (b), 38.121 through 38.123, 38.125(d), and 38.127 

(if applicable) of this part. The design of cars shall be coordinated with the boarding platform design such 

that the horizontal gap between a car door at rest and the platform shall be no greater than 3 inches and 

the height of the car floor shall be within plus or minus 5⁄8 inch of the platform height under all normal 

passenger load conditions. Vertical alignment may be accomplished by car air suspension or other 

suitable means of meeting the requirement. All doorways shall have, when the door is open, at least 2 

footcandles of illumination measured on the door threshold.

(b) All other high-speed rail cars shall comply with the similar provisions of subpart F of this part.

§38.179 Trams, and similar vehicles, and systems

(a) New and used trams consisting of a tractor unit, with or without passenger accommodations, and 

one or more passenger trailer units, including but not limited to vehicles providing shuttle service to 

remote parking areas, between hotels and other public accommodations, and between and within 

amusement parks and other recreation areas, shall comply with this section. For purposes of determining 

applicability of 49 CFR 37.101, 37.103, or 37.105 the capacity of such a vehicle or “train” shall consist of 

the total combined seating capacity of all units, plus the driver, prior to any modification for accessibility.

(b) Each tractor unit which accommodates passengers and each trailer unit shall comply with §38.25 

and §38.29 of this part. In addition, each such unit shall comply with §38.23 (b) or (c) and shall provide at 

least one space for wheelchair or mobility aid users complying with §38.23(d) of this part unless the 

complete operating unit consisting of tractor and one or more trailers can already accommodate at least 

two wheelchair or mobility aid users.