Why the Modern American Streetcar is the Wheelchair Accessible Transportation We Need
WheelchairTravel.org has posted an interesting article by John Morris, dated March 26, 2021, of Why the Modern American Streetcar is the Wheelchair Accessible Transportation We Need.
Streetcar in Portland, Oregon. Photo courtesy Steve Morgan.
According to the article, in 2001, the City of Portland, Oregon unveiled the Portland Streetcar, the first new streetcar system in the United States since World War II. The photo on the right is representative of Streetcar in Portland, Oregon. The photo is courtesy of Steve Morgan. With nearly 5 million riders annually, it has been deemed a success that has encouraged further investment. Following a series of expansions, the system now encompasses three lines serving more than 70 stations.
What set Portland’s streetcar apart from the older systems that preceded it was accessibility — the low-floor train cars with their suite of accessibility features made it possible for wheelchair users and other disabled people to board, ride and disembark the vehicles independently. Features of the Portland Streetcar and others like it include:
Modern, low-floor streetcars feature level-entry boarding with a minimal gap between the tram and station platform, or are equipped to automatically deploy a wheelchair access ramp to bridge the gap with the touch of a button.
Modern, low-floor streetcars include priority seating for seniors and people with disabilities, in addition to well-marked spaces for mobility devices and grab bars.
An abundance of clear floor space is available, making it easy for wheelchair and scooter users to maneuver safely.
Where applicable, streetcars have multiple stop request buttons and/or strips that can be pressed to notify the streetcar operator of your intention to disembark.
Stop announcements are communicated verbally, as well as visually on overhead monitors.