Disheartening news out of Indiana, especially in light of recent overtures at both federal and state levels of government to pursue investment in the ailing Amtrak transit system: According to a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation many of Amtrak’s facilities across the U.S do not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—including all 11 stations in the state of Indiana.
Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services executive director Dawn Adams said a report sent by the agency to the DOJ was based on extensive inspections of Amtrak stations after the state received numerous complaints. The agency is one of many that have filed complaints against Amtrak in recent months.
The agency found violations that include inaccessible parking and inadequate counter height, and, particularly concerning, refusal to sell tickets to customers with disabilities.
The DOJ says it will work with Amtrak to ensure the stations become compliant, stating that Amtrak has appeared willing to cooperate.
