COMMUNICATIONS	SUB-COMMITTEE

DRAFT	SUMMARY REPORT

FEBRUARY	24,	2015

Preface

I	would	like	to	thank	all	of	the	members	of	this	committee,	the	Access	Board	

staff,		and	those	from	the	general	public	who	have	come	together	in	open	

dialogue	to	help	one	another	better	understand	each	and	every	perspective	in	

relation	to	the	dissemination	of	information	through	the	nation’s	rail	

networks.

Principles	

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

more	inclusive	environment.

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	(Variable	Message	Signs	-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.

Signage	Types	– Proposed	Requirements:

A. Directional	Signs (includes	directional	Exit	Signs) – Visual
B. Designation	Signs	for	Spaces (includes	Exit	Signs) – Tactile	&	Visual,	

and	The	ISA	shall	be	provided	at	required	wheelchair	spaces	and	

priority	seating	and	be	located	________.

C. Designation	Signs	for	Elements – Not	Required	to	meet	accessibility	

requirements.

D. Non-Emergency	Informational	Signs – Visual	and	Meet	the	size	

requirement	for	visual	characters	where	possible	(practicable).

E. Non-Emergency	Operational	Signs – Tactile	&	Visual,	and	Meet	the	

size	requirement	for	visual	characters	where	practicable.	Furthermore,	

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.

F. Emergency	Informational	Signs – Visual	&	Tactile

G. Emergency	Operational	Signs	- Visual

H. Caution	and	Safety	Signs	(includes	icons	and	logos) - Visual

I. Stop	Identification	Signs (includes	train	designation,	route,	and	final	

destination) – VMS,	. 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.	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.

J. Menus	and	Directories – At	least	one	menu/directory	must	comply

K. Employee	Only	Signs – Not	Required	to	meet	accessibility	

requirements.

Additional	Notes:	

 Assistive	listening	- provide	assistive	listening	(induction	loops)	

throughout	the	train	in	bathrooms,	meal	cars,	bedrooms	and	in	bilevel	rail	cars	- [Subcommittee	has	agreed	to	this	– would	make	

caveat	that	it	is	to	be	provided	where	audible	announcements	are	

intended	to	be	heard]
 Evaluate	technical	feasibility	of	induction	loops	on	rail	cars	-

Subcommittee	already	thinks	it	is	feasible.

 VMS must	include	audible	versions

 Stop	announcements,	and	other	audible	announcements	should	be	prerecorded,	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	on	the	

inside	wall	nearest	wherever	ISA	is	placed.

 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.

 Meet	the	size	requirement	for	visual	characters	where	practicable.

 Where	instructions	for	door	latch/locks	are	provided	they	shall	be	both	

visual	and	tactile	and	be	located	10	inches	of	the	latch/lock.		

o Where	a	pictogram	is	provided	for	these	instructions	a	tactile	

description	shall	be	provided	directly	adjacent	to	it.		

 The	ISA	shall	be	provided	at	required	wheelchair	spaces	and	priority	

seating.	

 At	least	one	menu	or	directory	shall	comply	with	accessibility	standards.

 Examine	what	factors	should	be	used	to	determine	equivalency	of	

audible	and	visible	messages.		Oral	announcements	need	to	have	

the	same	level	of	clarity	as	visual	announcements.		This	is	why	prerecorded	announcements	are	generally	better.

 [make	recommendation	to	the	Board	to	do	research	on	speech	

intelligibility	and	rail	car	acoustics

 Variable	message	signs	legibility	(e.g.,	font,	case,	style,	and	location)	

- [reference	the	ANSI A117.1	technical	requirements	for	VMS	

Displays]		A

 Emergency	Notification	Announcements	must	be	available	via	

Back-up	power	
 Visual	emergency	alerts	(flashing	fire	alarms	and	such)	in	all	parts	

of	the	rail	cars	-- compartments,	main	area,	restrooms,	etc.	

recommend	NFPA	72	requirements	with	the	use	of	VMS;	what	db	

level	is	in	NFPA	72.		Is	it	too	loud?	alarms	can	cause	disorientation	

and	additional	dangers	to	people	who	are	blind	or	have	cognitive	

disabilities.		

 Lighting	- Recommend	the	Board	do	research	on	lighting	as	there	

is	no	requirements	in	the	Standard	for	general	or	task	lighting	

other	than	in	elevators	and	at	bus	entry	points.

o Lighting	in	circulation	areas,	restrooms,	sleeping	compartments,	

step	wells,	and	in	any	other	areas.		Step	wells	in	particular	raise	

issues:	1.	Because	they	may	or	may	not	be	level	platforms;	2.		It	

may	or	may	not	be	a	paved	surface	one	is	stepping	down	on	to;	

3.		Distance	to	platform	varies;	and	gaps	may	be	difficult	

especially	at	night.

o Task	lighting	and	on-demand	passenger	controls	

 New	Technologies	– Examine	the	potential	for	providing	messages	

on	hand-held	devices	such	as	smartphones	– tri-mode	

communication	
Draft	Report	with	annotated	comments

Principles	

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

more	inclusive	environment.

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.

[F.	Maldari:	Audible	announcements	must	also	be	made	available	visually	and	

via	induction	loops	to	the	extent	practical.]

3. Visual	announcements	(Variable	Message	Signs	-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.

[F.	Maldari: Visual	announcements	(Variable	Message	Signs	-VMS)	must	also	

be	made	available	audibly	and	via	induction	loop	to	the	extent	practical.]

4. Pre-recorded	or	automated	announcements	are	recommended	over	

human	announcements.

[L.	Hamlin:	 2.	Audible	 announcements	 must	 also	 be	 made	 available	 visually	

and	via		delivered	to	a	hearing induction	loop	system.

3.	Visual	 announcements	(Variable	Message	 Signs	-VMS)	must	 also	be	made	

available	audibly	and	via	a	hearing induction	loop	system.		 If	the	technology	

provides	 for	 high	 definition	 video,	 audio	 description	 and	 ALS the	 hearing	

induction	loop	system should	also	be	incorporated.	 NAD	specifically	asked	to	

include	ALS	if	high	definition	is	available.

4.	Pre-recorded	or	automated	announcements	should	be	provided	whenever	

possible	 and	 appropriate,	 so	 long	 as	 the	 recording	 or	 automated	

announcement	 is	 high	 quality	 so	 the	 sound	 is	 clear	 and	 clean,	 and	 are	

preferable	 to	 live	 announcements..are	 recommended	 over	 human	

announcements. ]

[A.	 Philips:	 1.	 Information	 being	 conveyed	 to	 passengers	 must	 be	 made	

available	 to	 all	 passengers	 regardless	 of	 disability.	 Whenever	 feasible
Excepting	 extreme	 situations	 resulting	 in	 undue	 burdens,	 such	 information	

should	 be	 conveyed	through	 all	 means	 including	 but	 not	 limited	to:,	 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 through (Variable	Message	Signs	-(VMS)	must	 also	

be	made	available	audibly	and	via	induction	loop.		If	the	technology	provides	

for	 high	 definition	 video,	 audio	 description	 and	 Assistive	 Listening	 Systems	

(ALS) should	 also	 be	 incorporated.	 Moreover,	 if	 high	 definition	 video	 is	

provided	in	cars,	then	announcements	should	also	be	made	in	American	Sign	

Language.]

Signage	Types	– Proposed	Requirements:

A. Directional	Signs (includes	directional	Exit	Signs) – Visual

B. Designation	Signs	for	Spaces (includes	Exit	Signs) – Tactile	&	Visual,	

and	The	ISA	shall	be	provided	at	required	wheelchair	spaces	and	

priority	seating	and	be	located	________.

C. Designation	Signs	for	Elements – Not	Required	to	meet	accessibility	

requirements.

D. Non-Emergency	Informational	Signs – Visual	and	Meet	the	size	

requirement	for	visual	characters	where	possible	(practicable).

E. Non-Emergency	Operational	Signs – Tactile	&	Visual,	and	Meet	the	

size	requirement	for	visual	characters	where	practicable.	Furthermore,	

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.

F. Emergency	Informational	Signs – Visual	&	Tactile

[F.	Maldari:	...Visual	&	Tactile	to	the	extent	practical.	Reduced	size	visual	and	

tactical	signs	are	permitted	when	necessary	due	to	space	constraints.]

G. Emergency	Operational	Signs	– Visual

[F.	Maldari:	...Visual	to	the	extent	practical.]

H. Caution	and	Safety	Signs	(includes	icons	and	logos) - Visual

I. Stop	Identification	Signs (includes	train	designation,	route,	and	final	

destination) – VMS,	.	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.	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.

[L.	Hamlin:	VMS:	All	cars	must	provide	variable	message	signs	(VMS) in	two	

locations	so	that	at	least	one	sign	is	readable	from	every	part	of	the	car.	The	

VMS variable	message	signs must	provide	information	that	is	equivalent	to	

that	which	is	provided	aurally:	Please	see	my	note	below	in	order	to	cover	

both	visual	and	aural	information. Iif	stops	are	announced	aurally,	VMS	 the	

signs should	display	the		announced stops;	if	emergencies	are	announced	

aurally,VMS the	signs should	display	the	same	emergency	information

announce	emergencies,	and	so	forth.	Where	cars	provide	route	map	tracking	

signs,	those	signs	should	be	placed in	two	locations	so	that	at	least	one	sign	is	

audible	and	visible	from	every	part	of	the	car.]

[A.	Phillips:	Stop	Identification	Signs Variable	Message	Signs (includes	train	

designation,	route,	stops,	all announcements,	and	final	destination)	– VMS,	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.	Where	cars	provide	route	map	

tracking	signs	in	addition	to	Variable	Message	Signs,	such	signage	should	be	

provided in	two	locations	of	the	car so	that	at	least	one	sign	is	audible		and	

visible	from	every	part	of	the	car.]

[F.	Maldari:	Stop	Identification	Signs		(includes	train	designation,	route,	and	

final	destination)	– VMS,	.	All	cars	must	provide	variable	message	signs	in	at	

least 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	to	the	extent	practical.	If	stops	are	announced,	the	signs	

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

announce	emergencies,	and	so	forth.	In	instances	when	there	are	unexpected	

emergencies	the	information	provided	on	the	VMS	signs	does	not	need		to	

exactly	match	the	information	provided	aurally. 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.]
[A.	Gagne:	All	cars	must	provide	variable	message	signs	in	at	least 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	aurally,	the	visual	message signs	should	

announce display stops;	if	emergencies	are	announced	aurally;	the	visual	

message signs	should	announce display emergencies,	and	so	forth.	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.]

J. Menus	and	Directories – At	least	one	menu/directory	must	comply

K. Employee	Only	Signs – Not	Required	to	meet	accessibility	

requirements.

Additional	Notes:	

 Assistive	listening	- provide	assistive	listening	(induction	loops)	

throughout	the	train	in	bathrooms,	meal	cars,	bedrooms	and	in	bilevel	rail	cars	- [Subcommittee	has	agreed	to	this	– would	make	

caveat	that	it	is	to	be	provided	where	audible	announcements	are	

intended	to	be	heard]

[L.	Hamlin:	Assistive	listening	system/hearing	induction	loop	system -

provide	assistive	listening	system	(hearing induction	loop	system)	

throughout	the	train	in	bathrooms,	meal	cars,	bedrooms	and	in	bi-level	

rail	cars]

[A.	Phillips:	Assistive	Llistening	Systems	(ALS) - provide	assistive	

listening	(induction	loops)	throughout	the	train	in	bathrooms,	meal	cars,	

bedrooms	and	in	single	and bi-level	rail	cars	-]

[F.	Maldari:	Assistive	listening	- provide	assistive	listening	(induction	

loops)	throughout	the	train	in	bathrooms,	meal	cars,	bedrooms	and	in	bilevel	rail	cars	to	the	extent	practical		-]

 Evaluate	technical	feasibility	of	induction	loops	on	rail	cars	-

Subcommittee	already	thinks	it	is	feasible.

[L.	Hamlin:	Evaluate	technical	feasibility	of	hearing induction	loop	

system on	rail	cars	- Subcommittee	has	information	that	this already	

thinks	it is	feasible.]

 VMS must	include	audible	versions

[F.	Maldari: VMS	must	include	audible	versions	to	the	extent	practical]
[A.	Phillips:	• Full	visual	access	must	always	be	provided	for	stop	

announcements,	last	calls	for	food,	drinks,	boarding,	disembarking,	and	

promotions	as	well	as	other	audible	announcements.	This	kind	of	access	must	

be	provided	through	the	variable	message	signs,	preferably	using	prerecorded	

messages.]

 Stop	announcements,	and	other	audible	announcements	should	be	prerecorded,	high	quality	messages.

[A.	Phillips:	Stop	announcements	and	other	audible	announcements	should	be	

pre-recorded,	high	quality	messages	with	corresponding	visual	messages	

provided	simultaneously.]

 Human	announcements	should	be	kept	to	a	minimum. This	is	especially	

important	with station	stop	announcements.

[L.	Hamlin:	 {Human} Live announcements	from	the	crew should	be	kept	to	a	

minimum.]		

 Service	animal	relief	area	information	should	be	made	available	on	the	

inside	wall	nearest	wherever	ISA	is	placed.

 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.

[L.	Hamlin:	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.	

• VMS:All cars	must	provide	variable	message	signs	(VMS)	in	at	least	two	

locations	so	that	at	least	one	sign	is	readable	from	every	part	of	the	car.	The	

VMS	must	provide	information	that	is	equivalent	to	that	which	is	provided	

aurally:	if	stops	are	announced	aurally,	VMS	should	display	the	announced	

stops;	if	emergencies	are	announced	aurally;	VMS	should	display	the	same	

emergency	information,	and	so	forth.	Where	cars	provide	route	map	tracking	

signs,	those	signs	should	be	placed	in	two	locations	so	that	at	least	one	sign	is	

audible	and	visible	from	every	part	of	the	car.		We	need	to	say	this	in	a	way	
that	it	also	means	the	reverse.		With	the	growing	use	and	popularity	of	VMS,	

less	and	less	is	audible.		The	necessary	information	(not	the	advertisements)	

need	to	be	equally	available.]			

[A.	Phillips:	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	,	such	signage	should	be	provided in	

two	locations	of	the	car so	that	at	least	one	sign	is	audible	and	visible	from	

every	part	of	the	car.]

[F.	Maldari:	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.	However	

for	emergency	announcement	there	may	be	additional	information	provided	

aurally	that	is	not	transmitted	via	VMS.]

 Meet	the	size	requirement	for	visual	characters	where	practicable.

[A.	Phillips:	All	visual	announcements	must	meet	or	exceed Meet the	size	

requirement	for	visual	characters	where	practicable.]

 Where	instructions	for	door	latch/locks	are	provided	they	shall	be	both	

visual	and	tactile	and	be	located	10	inches	of	the	latch/lock.		

[A.	Gagne:	Where	instructions	for	door	latch/locks	are	provided	they	shall	be	

both	visual	and	tactile	and	be	located	within 10	inches	of	the	latch/lock.]		

o Where	a	pictogram	is	provided	for	these	instructions	a	tactile	

description	shall	be	provided	directly	adjacent	to	it.		

 The	ISA	shall	be	provided	at	required	wheelchair	spaces	and	priority	

seating.	

 At	least	one	menu	or directory	shall	comply	with	accessibility	standards.

 Examine	what	factors	should	be	used	to	determine	equivalency	of	

audible	and	visible	messages.		Oral	announcements	need	to	have	

the	same	level	of	clarity	as	visual	announcements.		This	is	why	prerecorded	announcements	are	generally	better.

[L.	Hamlin:	Examine	what	factors	should	be	used	to	determine	

equivalency	of	audible	and	visible	messages.		Oral	announcements	

need	to must have	the	same	level	of	clarity	as	visual	announcements.]
[A.	Phillips:	Oral	announcements	need	to	have	the	same	level	of	clarity	as	

visual	announcements	as	well	as	vice	versa.		This	is	why	pre-recorded	

announcements	are	generally	better superior.]

 [make	recommendation	to	the	Board	to	do	research	on	speech	

intelligibility	and	rail	car	acoustics

 Variable	message	signs	legibility	(e.g.,	font,	case,	style,	and	location)	

- [reference	the	ANSI	A117.1	technical	requirements	for	VMS	

Displays]		

 Emergency	Notification	Announcements	must	be	available	via	

Back-up	power.

[A.	Phillips:	Emergency	Notification	Announcements,	both	aural	and	

visual,	must	be	available	via	Bback-up	power.]

 Visual	emergency	alerts	(flashing	fire	alarms	and	such)	in	all	parts	

of	the	rail	cars	-- compartments,	main	area,	restrooms,	etc.	

recommend	NFPA	72	requirements	with	the	use	of	VMS;	what	db	

level	is	in	NFPA	72.		Is	it	too	loud?	alarms	can	cause	disorientation	

and	additional	dangers	to	people	who	are	blind	or	have	cognitive	

disabilities.		

[L.	Hamlin:	Visual	emergency	alerts	(flashing emergency	alerts fire	alarms	and	

such)	in	all	parts	of	the	rail	cars...]

[A.	Phillips:	Visual	emergency	alerts	(flashing	fire	alarms	and	such)	in	all	parts	

of	the	rail	cars	-- compartments,	main	area,	restrooms,	etc.	are

recommended		to	comport	with NFPA	72	requirements	with	the	use	of	VMS;	

what	db	level	is	in	NFPA	72.		[Is	it	too	loud?	alarms	can	cause	disorientation	

and	additional	dangers	to	people	who	are	blind	or	have	cognitive	

disabilities.]]

 Lighting - Recommend	the	Board	do	research	on	lighting	as	there	is	

no	requirements	in	the	Standard	for	general	or	task	lighting	other	

than	in	elevators	and	at	bus	entry	points.

[L.	Hamlin:	Recommend	the	Board	do	research	on	lighting	as	there	is are

no	requirements	in	the	Standard for	general...]

o Lighting	in	circulation	areas,	restrooms,	sleeping	compartments,	

step	wells,	and	in	any	other	areas.		Step	wells	in	particular	raise	

issues:	1.	Because	they	may	or	may	not	be	level	platforms;	2.		It	

may	or	may	not	be	a	paved	surface	one	is	stepping	down	on	to;	

3.		Distance	to	platform	varies;	and	gaps	may	be	difficult	

especially	at	night.
o Task	lighting	and	on-demand	passenger	controls	

 New	Technologies	– Examine	the	potential	for	providing	messages	

on	hand-held	devices	such	as	smartphones	– tri-mode	

communication.	

[L.	Hamlin:	 Examine	the	potential	for	providing	messages	that	are	

viewed	on	VMS	to	also	be	available	and	accessible on	hand-held	devices	

such	as	smartphones	– tri-mode	communication.]

[A.	Phillips:	New	Technologies Ways	to	Provide	Access – Examine	the	

potential	for	providing	messages	on	platforms	such	as	smartphones,	

tablets,	and	wearables hand-held	devices	such	as	smartphones	– trimode	communication accessibility	must	be	provided	in	all	modes	of	

communication.]

[A.	Gagne:		http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://images.nycsubway.org/maps/calcagno2010-06-

28c.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/New_York_City_Subway_Route_Map_by_Michael_

Calcagno&h=1522&w=1172&tbnid=GoxqmAhi6wuSfM:&zoom=1&docid=Ty5EtWeep5rKnM&ei=-

jLaVIqsAonnUp_TgvgF&tbm=isch&ved=0CDIQMygAMAA ]

[J.	Lintz:	A	couple	of	the	alphabetized	sections	could	be	concentrated	into	

one,	eg	current	D	and	E,	and	F	and	G.

B	seems	a	bit	vague.	More	on	the	lines	of:	"Designation	Signs	for	

wheelchairs	and	priority	seating:	tactile,	visual	and	ISA	should	be	located	

at	eye	and	hand	level."		Some	of	the	descriptive	terms	aren't	very	clear	to	

me.		For	example,	"Designation	signs	for	Elements."	This	is	perhaps	

clearer	to	experts	reading	the	text?

Use"station" for the somewhat ambiguous "stop?"

K Employees Only signs --- "no requirements." Do any employees have

disabilities?

Most		of the Notes are repetitious. Maybe only save the following: Service

animals relief areas; acoustics --- standards; backup power; visual and

audible alarms --- ( not too bright or too loud); Good lighting and clear

voices; Use of smart phones and other current technology.

We need to ensure that the main cars have induction loops as well. The

bedroom cars probably should be called sleeper cars.]

[G.	Millis:		The	Washington	Metrorail	system	has	invested	in	accessibility	

in	order	to	ensure	the	disability	community	in	the	DC	service	area	has	

access	to	mass	transit.		We	congratulate	the	RVAAC	on	its	work	to	
improve	accessibility	in	rail	service,	particular	inter-city	service	for	

people	with	disabilities.		

Any	rule	changes	that	have	application	to	any	particular	rail	mode	need	

to	expressly	state	on	which	mode	the	change	will	be	required.		For	

example,	menus	and	animal	service	areas	could	be	limited	to	inter-city	

service.		They	have	no	application	on	subway	service.		

Technology	can	assist	in	making	rail	station	and	rail	cars	more	

accessible.		That	technology	though	must	be	available	and	must	be	able	

to	perform in	complex	environments.		Environment	can vary	

significantly	depending	on	if	the	rail	service	is	subway,	commuter	or	

inter-city	railroad.		The	technology	must	also	be	financially	feasible	and	

operationally	sustainable.

For	example,	rail	cars	for	each	type of	service	may	require	significant	

differences	in	order	to	install	inductive	listening	technology.			Rail	

stations	are	also	different	varying	from	complex,	such	as	multi-level	

multi	line	stations	such	as	Gallery	Place	Metro	to	simple	outdoor	stations	

serving	a	single	line.				More	information	on	the	feasibility	and	cost	of	

installing	inductive	loops	in	rail	facilities	and	cars	is	needed	if	this	rule	is	

to	be	proposed.	

Similarly	the	language	on	signage	also	may	pose	technical	challenges	and	

operational	concerns.				An	operational	concern	is	that	a	variable	

messaging	sign	providing	audible	announcements	must	operate	in	

environments	with	rail	car	noise,	station	announcements	and	

announcements	make	by	trains.		Given	the	background	noise	level,	

announcements	made	by	a	variable	messaging	sign	is likely	not	to	be	

heard	and	especially	as	distance	increases	from	the	sign.		A	technical	

concern	is	that	there	is	not	room	in	Metrorail	cars	to	install	some	of	the	

signage	discussed	such	as	at	end	doors	of	subway	cars.]