MARTINEZ, CALIF. – In partnership with the cities of Martinez, Hayward, Fremont and Oakland, Amtrak has completed accessibility improvements at four stations in these Bay Area communities. Customers now enjoy a more accessible and comfortable experience following the completion of $20.8 million in upgrades. All these stations are served by Capitol Corridor trains, while Martinez, which has the highest ridership of the group, is also a stop for the San Joaquins, Coast Starlight and California Zephyr.
“We’re delivering a new era of rail while bringing greater accessibility to stations nationwide,” said Amtrak Vice President of Accessibility Dr. David Handera. “As we prioritize station accessibility throughout Amtrak, we are thrilled that these Bay Area stations can provide a welcoming and comfortable experience for all customers.”
Due largely to federal investments, the improvements are part of Amtrak’s commitment to creating safer, more accessible facilities across the country through its Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Stations Program. Since 2011, Amtrak has invested more than $870 million in upgrades at 124 stations, providing a better travel experience for all customers.
Current Bay Area station upgrades include:
- Martinez station: Investments of $8.5 million encompass a resurfaced platform with tactile warning surfaces along the platform edge so passengers with vision disabilities can safely navigate public spaces (pictured). The station also offers an accessible path from the bus drop off, through the depot and onto the platform. Customers enjoy renovated restrooms, a new ticket counter and other modifications.
- Hayward station: Following a $5.6 million investment, the station now offers a new platform with increased space and a crossing to connect the station platforms. The facility also offers energy-efficient LED light fixtures and new station signage that improves accessibility.
- Fremont station: A design leveraging a $4.2 million investment provides a new platform and additional space on the station-side platform where customers can access the track in both directions. The facility also offers LED light fixtures and new signage.
- Oakland-Coliseum station: Investments of $2.5 million include a resurfaced platform with tactile warning surfaces. Pedestrian pathways provide better access to the local community.
“We applaud Amtrak’s ADA Project initiative to improve accessibility along the Capitol Corridor route,” said Capitol Corridor Managing Director Robert Padgette. “These efforts make it easier for passengers to navigate stations and platforms prior to boarding our trains and allows for a more inclusive travel experience.”
Posted June 12, 2024.
Amtrak established the Great American Stations Project in 2006 to educate communities on the benefits of redeveloping train stations, offer tools to community leaders to preserve their stations, and provide the appropriate Amtrak resources.
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