Current Transportation Vehicle Regulations relating to Seating and 

Circulation

Subpart C-Rapid Rail Vehicles and Systems

§1192.53 Doorways. (Boarding and Alighting Subcommittee)

(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.

§1192.57 Interior circulation, handrails and stanchions.

(a) Handrails and stanchions shall be provided to assist safe boarding, on-board circulation, seating 

and standing assistance, and alighting by persons with disabilities.

(b) Handrails, stanchions, and seats shall allow a route at least 32 inches wide so that at least two 

wheelchair or mobility aid users can enter the vehicle and position the wheelchairs or mobility aids in 

areas, each having a minimum clear space of 48 inches by 30 inches, which do not unduly restrict 

movement of other passengers. 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. 

Particular attention shall be given to ensuring maximum maneuverability immediately inside doors. 

Ample vertical stanchions from ceiling to seat-back rails shall be provided. Vertical stanchions from 

ceiling to floor shall not interfere with wheelchair or mobility aid user circulation and shall be kept to a 

minimum in the vicinity of doors.

(c) The diameter or width of the gripping surface of handrails and stanchions shall be 11/4 inches to 

11/2 inches or provide an equivalent gripping surface and shall provide a minimum 1-1/2 inches 

knuckle clearance from the nearest adjacent surface.

§1192.59 Floor surfaces.

Floor surfaces on aisles, places for standees, and areas where wheelchair and mobility aid users are to 

be accommodated shall be slip-resistant.

Subpart D-Light Rail Vehicles and Systems 

§1192.73 Doorways. (Boarding and Alighting Subcommittee)

(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.
§1192.77 Interior circulation, handrails and stanchions.

(a) Handrails and stanchions shall be sufficient to permit safe boarding, on-board circulation, seating 

and standing assistance, and alighting by persons with disabilities.

(b) At entrances equipped with steps, handrails and stanchions shall be provided in the entrance to 

the vehicle in a configuration which allows passengers to grasp such assists from outside the vehicle 

while starting to board, and to continue using such handrails or stanchions throughout the boarding 

process. 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 1-1/2 inches knuckle clearance from the nearest 

adjacent surface. Where on-board fare collection devices are used, a horizontal passenger assist shall 

be located between boarding passengers and the fare collection device and shall prevent passengers 

from sustaining injuries on the fare collection device or windshield in the event of a sudden 

deceleration. Without restricting the vestibule space, the assist shall provide support for a boarding 

passenger from the door through the boarding procedure. Passengers shall be able to lean against the 

assist for security while paying fares.

(c) At all doors on level-entry vehicles, and at each entrance accessible by lift, ramp, bridge plate or 

other suitable means, handrails, stanchions, passenger seats, vehicle driver seat platforms, and fare 

boxes, if applicable, shall be located so as to allow a route at least 32 inches wide so that at least two 

wheelchair or mobility aid users can enter the vehicle and position the wheelchairs or mobility aids in 

areas, each having a minimum clear space of 48 inches by 30 inches, which do not unduly restrict 

movement of other passengers. 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. 

Particular attention shall be given to ensuring maximum maneuverability immediately inside doors. 

Ample vertical stanchions from ceiling to seat-back rails shall be provided. Vertical stanchions from 

ceiling to floor shall not interfere with wheelchair or mobility aid circulation and shall be kept to a 

minimum in the vicinity of accessible doors.

§1192.79 Floors, steps and thresholds.

(a) Floor surfaces on aisles, step treads, places for standees, and areas where wheelchair and mobility 

aid users are to be accommodated shall be slip-resistant.

(b) All thresholds and step edges shall have a band of color(s) running the full width of the step or 

threshold which contrasts from the step tread and riser or adjacent floor, either light-on-dark or darkon-light.

§1192.83 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.

Subpart E-Commuter Rail Cars and Systems

§1192.93 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 §1192.95(d). In cars 

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

of 42 inches. (See Fig. 3)

§1192.95 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Mobility aid seating location. Spaces for persons who wish to remain in their wheelchairs or 

mobility aids shall have a minimum clear floor space 48 inches by 30 inches. Such spaces shall adjoin, 

and may overlap, an accessible path. Not more than 6 inches of the required clear floor space may be 

accommodated for footrests under another seat provided there is a minimum of 9 inches from the 

floor to the lowest part of the seat overhanging the space. Seating spaces may have fold-down or 

removable seats to accommodate other passengers when a wheelchair or mobility aid user is not 

occupying the area, provided the seats, when folded up, do not obstruct the clear floor space required. 

(See Fig. 2)
§1192.97 Interior circulation, handrails and stanchions.

(a) Where provided, handrails or stanchions within the passenger compartment shall be placed to 

permit sufficient turning and maneuvering space for wheelchairs and other mobility aids to reach a 

seating location, complying with §1192.95(d), from an accessible entrance. The diameter or width of 

the gripping surface of interior handrails and stanchions shall be 11/4 inches to 11/2 inches or shall 

provide an equivalent gripping surface. Handrails shall be placed to provide a minimum 1-1/2 inches 

knuckle clearance from the nearest adjacent surface.

(b) Where provided, handrails or stanchions shall be sufficient to permit safe boarding, on-board 

circulation, seating and standing assistance, and alighting by persons with disabilities.

(c) At entrances equipped with steps, handrails or stanchions shall be provided in the entrance to the 

car in a configuration which allows passengers to grasp such assists from outside the car while starting 

to board, and to continue using such assists throughout the boarding process, to the extent permitted 

by 49 CFR part 231.

§1192.99 Floors, steps and thresholds.

(a) Floor surfaces on aisles, step treads, places for standees, and areas where wheelchair and mobility 

aid users are to be accommodated shall be slip-resistant.

(b) All thresholds and step edges shall have a band of color(s) running the full width of the step or 

threshold which contrasts from the step tread and riser or adjacent floor, either light-on-dark or darkon-light.

Subpart F-Intercity Rail Cars and Systems 

§1192.111 General.

(a) New, used and remanufactured intercity rail cars, to be considered accessible by regulations issued 

by the Department of Transportation in 49 CFR part 37, shall comply with this subpart to the extent 

required for each type of car as specified below.

(1) Single-level rail passenger coaches and food service cars (other than single-level dining cars) shall 

comply with §§1192.113 through 1192.123. Compliance with §1192.125 shall be required only to the 

extent necessary to meet the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section.

(2) Single-level dining and lounge cars shall have at least one connecting doorway complying with 

§1192.113(a)(2), connected to a car accessible to persons using wheelchairs or mobility aids, and at 

least one space complying with §1192.125(d)(2) and (3), to provide table service to a person who 

wishes to remain in his or her wheelchair, and space to fold and store a wheelchair for a person who 

wishes to transfer to an existing seat.

(3) Bi-level dining cars shall comply with §§1192.113(a)(2), 1192.115(b), 1192.117(a), and 

1192.121.

(4) Bi-level lounge cars shall have doors on the lower level, on each side of the car from which 

passengers board, complying with §1192.113, a restroom complying with §1192.123, and at least one 

space complying with §1192.125(d)(2) and (3) to provide table service to a person who wishes to 

remain in his or her wheelchair and space to fold and store a wheelchair for a person who wishes to 

transfer to an existing seat.

(5) Restrooms complying with §1192.123 shall be provided in single-level rail passenger coaches and 

food service cars adjacent to the accessible seating locations required by paragraph (d) of this section. 

Accessible restrooms are required in dining and lounge cars only if restrooms are provided for other 

passengers.

(6) Sleeper cars shall comply with §§1192.113(b) through (d), 1192.115 through 1192.121, and 

1192.125, and have at least one compartment which can be entered and used by a person using a 

wheelchair or mobility aid and complying with §1192.127.
(b)(1) If physically and operationally practicable, intercity rail cars shall comply with §1192.113(d) for 

level boarding. (2) Where level boarding is not structurally or operationally practicable, intercity rail 

cars shall comply with §1192.125.

(c) If portions of the car are modified in a way that affects or could affect accessibility, each such 

portion shall comply, to the extent practicable, with the applicable provisions of this subpart. This 

provision does not require that inaccessible cars be retrofitted with lifts, ramps or other boarding 

devices.

(d) Passenger coaches or food service cars shall have the number of spaces complying with 

§1192.125(d)(2) and the number of spaces complying with §1192.125(d)(3), as required by 49 CFR 

37.91.

(e) Existing cars retrofitted to meet the seating requirements of 49 CFR 37.91 shall comply with 

§§1192.113(e), 1192.123, 1192.125(d) and shall have at least one door on each side from which 

passengers board complying with §1192.113(d). Existing cars designed and manufactured to be 

accessible in accordance with Department of Transportation regulations implementing section 504 of 

the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that were in effect before October 7, 1991, shall comply with 

§1192.125(a).

§1192.113 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 §1192.111(a) and where the spaces required by §1192.111(d) 

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 §1192.127 or seating locations 

complying with §1192.125(d). In cars where such doorways require passage through a vestibule, such 

vestibule shall have a minimum width of 42 inches.

§1192.115 Interior circulation, handrails and stanchions.

(a) Where provided, handrails or stanchions within the passenger compartment shall be placed to 

permit sufficient turning and maneuvering space for wheelchairs and other mobility aids to reach a 

seating location, complying with §1192.125(d), from an accessible entrance. The diameter or width of 

the gripping surface of interior handrails and stanchions shall be 11/4 inches to 11/2 inches or shall 

provide an equivalent gripping surface. Handrails shall be placed to provide a minimum 1-1/2 inches 

knuckle clearance from the nearest adjacent surface.

(b) Where provided, handrails and stanchions shall be sufficient to permit safe boarding, on-board 

circulation, seating and standing assistance, and alighting by persons with disabilities.

(c) At entrances equipped with steps, handrails or stanchions shall be provided in the entrance to the 

car in a configuration which allows passengers to grasp such assists from outside the car while starting 

to board, and to continue using such assists throughout the boarding process, to the extent permitted 

by 49 CFR part 231.

§1192.117 Floors, steps and thresholds.

(a) Floor surfaces on aisles, step treads and areas where wheelchair and mobility aid users are to be 

accommodated shall be slip-resistant.
(b) All step edges and thresholds shall have a band of color(s) running the full width of the step or 

threshold which contrasts from the step tread and riser or adjacent floor, either light-on-dark or darkon-light.

§1192.125 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Seating. - (1) Requirements. All intercity rail cars required to be accessible by §1192.111(a) and 

(e) of this subpart shall provide at least one, but not more than two, mobility aid seating location(s) 

complying with paragraph (d)(2) of this section; and at least one, but not more than two, seating 

location(s) complying with paragraph (d)(3) of this section which adjoin or overlap an accessible route 

with a minimum clear width of 32 inches.

(2) Wheelchair or mobility aid spaces. Spaces for persons who wish to remain in their wheelchairs or 

mobility aids shall have a minimum clear floor area 48 inches by 30 inches. Such space may have 

fold-down or removable seats for use when not occupied by a wheelchair or mobility aid user. (See 

Fig. 2)

(3) Other spaces. Spaces for individuals who wish to transfer shall include a regular coach seat or 

dining car booth or table seat and space to fold and store the passenger's wheelchair.