Hytec
Lead Service Attendant
I am grateful that Amtrak performs a basic Q&A to determine eligibilty for the disabled discount and H room access, though I fully understand that it can be humiliating for some. Sadly, there is a significant number of perfectly able people that will claim a disabled condition just to receive the discount (which can be substantial). I see these people every day in parking lots with their cars that have no H cards or H plates parked in H spaces. The excuses (lies) can be very creative when these people are challanged, but disgusting none the less.My pet peeve along these lines is how Amtrak handles disability discounts. The disabled are offered a 15% discount on Amtrak fares, but there is no way to get that discount online or thru quik-trak. You have to talk to an agent or make a phone reservation and specifically ask for a disabled fare. Other groups who receive discounts (Seniors, Military, AAA, Student Advantage, ISIC, Veterans) can purchase a discounted ticket on Amtrak.com.
Why does Amtrak do this? I was told that they want to be able to ask the disabled person if he or she "needs assistance boarding". If you say you want a disabled discount, they always ask "do you need assistance boarding?" I understand that some disabled people need assistance boarding and it is good to find out in advance. But as readers here have commented, there are many disabilities that are not easily noticed. I would think that after buying several Amtrak trips and telling them over and over that you are disabled and don't need assistance, they could put that fact into their computer and let you buy tickets online. It can be a bit humiliating for a disabled person to have to "prove it" over and over again.
BTW, the first time we rode after my wife's condition had worsened, she was able to mount the Viewliner steps with difficulty, but quickly realized there was no way she could go down them. So we asked for assistance long before we arrived at our destination. My wife was embarrassed that she was inconveniencing the station staff and delaying the train, but the Conductor and station staff could not have been more gracious. They really made her feel that she was more than welcome, and that this was merely part of their regular service.
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