If I understand correctly, Amtrak is "trimming" support services for the handicapped. Am I correct in understanding that handicapped individuals need to contact Amtrak 72 hours in advance for "services." ?
Aren't there specific Federal LAWS that would prevent such from happening ?
Couldn't handicapped individuals STRONGLY protest ANY "hinderance" of their use of an Amtrak train ?
I would think that support agencies for the handicapped would be FLOODING Congress with complaints !!
I was flabberghasted when I heard about this. Isn't it a major FEDERAL offense to "hinder" full use of ANY mode of public transportation in ANY way ?
How can Amtrak possibly "get away" with this new "policy." ??
Does Greyhound require 72 hour notification if a handicapped individual chooses to use one of their buses ?
What about the airlines ? Why I could just imagine the "furor" if ANY airline attempted to "impede" the free travel of a handicapped individual.
Are Amtrak's "stipulations" related to handicapped travelers just "minor" inconveniences or may they be "interpreted" as MAJOR by those who ARE handicapped ?
I just got to thinking about the matter today and wondered if anyone else was thinking along the same lines as I was.
Posted by Eric (Member # 674) on :
I believe that it is part of the station personnel cuts Amtrak is making right now. Notifying 72 hours in advance is so the proper station employees will be prepared to assist a handicapped person. If only one employee is handling baggage, ticket sales, phone calls, etc., another employee will be called to take care of other passenger needs. I agree that it is an unfair move. Amtrak should provide equal service to every one of their passengers. This brings us back to the funding issue. As long as Amtrak continues to be stood up by Congress, and forced to make system cuts, we can probably expect more issues like this.
Posted by Amtrak207 (Member # 1307) on :
The 72 hours notice is also used to add a bulletin to the Conductor's manifest for that particular train so he or she is prepared to spot the train correctly. "Special service request 1 (Customer's Name) (Train number) Boarding/Detraining locations, time date, etc. "Request assist at all points" or "request Amtrak wheelchair" or "request Amtrak wheelchair assist" This falls before the notices for any group travel.
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