Washington, D.C. Metro - Timeshare Users Group Online Community Forums

topcop400 · May 24, 2006, 07:02 PM

I am wheelchair bound. I'd like to know if I can get on the metro?

Terpy · May 24, 2006, 07:23 PM

There is a lot of information at the following URL:

http://www.wmata.com/accessibility/metrorail.cfm

"Accessibility & safety features
For customers with disabilities, Metrorail offers an ideal way to travel throughout the Washington, DC area. All trains and stations are accessible. Also, station managers and rail station employees have received ADA Customer Service Training and are ready to assist people with disabilities.

Metrorail stations are easily identifiable from street level - simply look for the familiar pylons with station names and rail line colors. Street level elevator locations and directions are on street pylons directing customers to accessible entrances. The directions on these pylons are at low height for wheelchair users and recommended eye-level for customers using Braille. To plan a trip on Metrorail and/or Metrobus, please see the Trip Planner.

Extra-wide faregates offer easy access for wheelchair users and TTY-equipped telephones are located on all station mezzanines. Also, public telephones and emergency intercoms are located on every platform."

Terpy

sfwilshire · May 25, 2006, 05:04 AM

My small son uses a wheelchair and we took him there last Spring. It was doable, but was sometimes unpleasant. At times it was a bit of an ordeal, particularly when changing lines. It required quite a bit of walking and finnagling to get from one to another. Also, more than once the elevators were quite unpleasant because of the smell of urine and other nasty things.

Since he is able to walk, just not long distances, after a day or two we started taking him out of the chair and going down the escalators instead. It saved a lot of time and headaches.

Don't let me discourage you from trying, however. I'm sure you're faced with similar challenges every day. It certainly is possible to use the Metro for transportation and DC is a fun city to visit.

Sheila

elaine · May 25, 2006, 09:58 AM

I would get a number that you can call metro when you are here and get a listing of elevator outages--then plan your trip accordingly. You can also get around by city buses--esp. on Mall area. Many are kneeling buses with wheelchair access. Personally, the buses might actually be easier. They are very safe and drivers are very helpful.

topcop400 · May 25, 2006, 04:39 PM

Thanks for your help.

I had no idea there were kneeling buses!

wuv pooh · May 27, 2006, 01:38 PM

www.wmata.com

It's a pretty good website.

I was temp. disabled (for about a yr) with a full leg brace & found the kneeling buses the best.

Hth,
Judy

May 24, 2006, 07:02 PM	#1
topcop400 TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: May 24, 06 Location: Northern California Posts: 230 Resorts: Wyndham Alexandria Cypress Pointe Grandvillas in Orlando	Washington, D.C. Metro I am wheelchair bound. I'd like to know if I can get on the metro? __________________ Becky Northern California "Where the air is clean, but the pay sucks."

May 24, 2006, 07:23 PM	#2
Terpy TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jan 2, 06 Location: Silver Spring, Maryland Posts: 33 Resorts: Marriott Grand Chateau (Platinum) Marriott Cypress Harbour (Sport, Summer) DVC OKW, BWV, BCV and AKV	You will be fine on Metro Bus and Metrorail There is a lot of information at the following URL: http://www.wmata.com/accessibility/metrorail.cfm "Accessibility & safety features For customers with disabilities, Metrorail offers an ideal way to travel throughout the Washington, DC area. All trains and stations are accessible. Also, station managers and rail station employees have received ADA Customer Service Training and are ready to assist people with disabilities. Metrorail stations are easily identifiable from street level - simply look for the familiar pylons with station names and rail line colors. Street level elevator locations and directions are on street pylons directing customers to accessible entrances. The directions on these pylons are at low height for wheelchair users and recommended eye-level for customers using Braille. To plan a trip on Metrorail and/or Metrobus, please see the Trip Planner. Extra-wide faregates offer easy access for wheelchair users and TTY-equipped telephones are located on all station mezzanines. Also, public telephones and emergency intercoms are located on every platform." Terpy

May 25, 2006, 05:04 AM	#3
sfwilshire TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 7, 05 Location: Clinton TN Posts: 2,295 Resorts: Tristram's Landing, Tree Tops Gatlinburg, Mystic Dunes (formerly Wyndham Palms), Tybrisa, Sheraton Vistana Spas and Foun	Re: Washington, D.C. Metro My small son uses a wheelchair and we took him there last Spring. It was doable, but was sometimes unpleasant. At times it was a bit of an ordeal, particularly when changing lines. It required quite a bit of walking and finnagling to get from one to another. Also, more than once the elevators were quite unpleasant because of the smell of urine and other nasty things. Since he is able to walk, just not long distances, after a day or two we started taking him out of the chair and going down the escalators instead. It saved a lot of time and headaches. Don't let me discourage you from trying, however. I'm sure you're faced with similar challenges every day. It certainly is possible to use the Metro for transportation and DC is a fun city to visit. Sheila

May 25, 2006, 09:58 AM	#4
elaine TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 8, 05 Posts: 1,442	the only problem is if an elevator is out I would get a number that you can call metro when you are here and get a listing of elevator outages--then plan your trip accordingly. You can also get around by city buses--esp. on Mall area. Many are kneeling buses with wheelchair access. Personally, the buses might actually be easier. They are very safe and drivers are very helpful.

May 25, 2006, 04:39 PM	#5
topcop400 TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: May 24, 06 Location: Northern California Posts: 230 Resorts: Wyndham Alexandria Cypress Pointe Grandvillas in Orlando	Re: Washington, D.C. Metro Thanks for your help. I had no idea there were kneeling buses! __________________ Becky Northern California "Where the air is clean, but the pay sucks."

May 27, 2006, 01:38 PM	#6
wuv pooh TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: NOVA Posts: 236 Resorts: Marriott Manor Club ~ MSE, Horizons by Marriott ~ Orlando	try their web site www.wmata.com It's a pretty good website. I was temp. disabled (for about a yr) with a full leg brace & found the kneeling buses the best. Hth, Judy

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode