Soon after the March 5, 2014, conference call (in creating new subcommittees), the Rail 

Vehicles Access Advisory Committee dissolved the Interior Vertical Circulation (Vertical 

Access) Subcommittee, replacing it with the newly created On-board Circulation

Subcommittee. The following materials (used in the March 5 conference call on vertical 

access) have been placed in the electronic docket under the heading “On-board Circulation

Subcommittee Meeting #1.” 
U.S. Access Board: Rail Vehicles Access Advisory Committee

Subcommittee on Interior Vertical Circulation (Vertical Access)

Teleconference March 5, 2014

1:00 – 3:00 Eastern

Draft Agenda

1.0 Introductions

2.0 Approval of the Agenda

3.0 Discussion of subcommittee scope and objectives 

4.0 Vertical Access Discussion 

4.1 Understand current law and regulations

4.2 Identify modes that may provide bi-level cars

4.3 Brainstorming

A. general principles

B. potential locations to be addressed

C. amenities and other considerations

4.4 Identify potential recommendations 

4.5 Identify potential benefits

4.6 Identify potential costs

4.7 Identify resources needed to support potential recommendations

4.8 Develop rationale for recommendations

5.0 Planning 

5.1 Develop Action Items 

5.2 Assign Duties and Tasks 

5.3 Establish Deadlines for Deliverables

6.0 Next Meeting

7.0 Public Comments 

8.0 Closing Remarks
Rail Vehicles Access Advisory Committee

Subcommittee on On-board Circulation

February 27, 2014

Scope: The scope of this subcommittee is to review the current requirements for accessible 

on-board circulation in the Access Board’s Rail Vehicles Accessibility Guidelines, which were 

originally issued in September, 1991 and have not been updated since that time. 

Objective: Recommend proposed revisions to update, improve or expand the scoping and 

technical criteria in order to ensure an acceptable level of access for individuals with disabilities

on rapid rail, light rail, commuter rail, intercity rail and other fixed guideway vehicles and 

systems covered under the Board’s current guidelines. These recommendations will be based 

on current regulations and consideration of changes that have taken place in vehicle structure, 

technology and the needs and desires of people with disabilities.

Tasks: The subcommittee will address:

 Characteristics of circulation paths including aisle widths, walking surfaces, protruding 

objects, maneuvering clearances within vestibules, changes in level, thresholds, lighting, 

and other onboard circulation features;

 Interior doors and doorway features and operation;

 On-board lift or other level change device to access upper and/or lower levels of bi-level 

cars, especially dome or viewing cars;

 Access to and within special cars, e.g., observation cars, dining cars, lounge cars; 

 Escape and Egress; and

 Other on-board circulation issues that may become important during subcommittee 

discussions.

Timetable: Complete the review and recommendations by October 2014, for consideration by 

the full committee.
Bi-level Access Constraints

Americans with Disabilities Act - Intercity and Commuter Rail Provisions

P.L. 101-336 (July 26, 1990), as amended by P.L. 110–325 (September 25, 2008)

(Excerpts from RVAAC email from November 7, 2013) 

§242. INTERCITY AND COMMUTER RAIL ACTIONS CONSIDERED DISCRIMINATORY.

§242(a) Intercity Rail Transportation.

§242(a)(2) New intercity cars.

§242(a)(2)(D) Special rule for bi-level dining cars for individuals who use wheelchairs. Bi-level 

dining cars shall not be required to

§242(a)(2)(D)(i) be able to be entered by an individual who uses a wheelchair;

§242(a)(2)(D)(ii) have space to park and secure a wheelchair;

§242(a)(2)(D)(iii) have a seat to which a passenger in a wheelchair can transfer, or a 

space to fold and store such passenger's wheelchair; or

§242(a)(2)(D)(iv) have a restroom usable by an individual who uses a wheelchair.

§242(a)(4) Food service.

§242(a)(4)(B) Bi-level dining cars. On any train in which a bi-level dining car is used to provide 

food service

§242(a)(4)(B)(i) if such train includes a bi-level lounge car purchased after the date of 

enactment of this Act, table service in such lounge car shall be provided to individuals 

who use wheelchairs and to other passengers; and

§242(a)(4)(B)(ii) appropriate auxiliary aids and services, including a hard surface on 

which to eat, shall be provided to ensure that other equivalent food service is available 

to individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs, and to 

passengers traveling with such individuals.