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

Subcommittee on Communications Meeting #8

September, 2014

[Agenda: Review the Summary, and attached signs and decals, and some life size interior rail car photos 

placed on the walls of the meeting room.]

SUMMARY

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:

 VMS must include audible versions

 Stop announcements, and other audible announcements should be pre-recorded, high quality messages.

 Human announcements should be kept to a minimum. This is especially important with station stop 

announcements.

 Service animal relief area information should be made available on the wall nearest wherever ISA is placed.

[See Attachments for decals and signs, and rail car interior photos.]