CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN CALLS ON AMTRAK TO ENSURE CUSTOMERS WITH DISABILITIES AND MOBILITY ISSUES CAN ACCESS RHINECLIFF STATION DURING RENOVATION

Congressman Pat Ryan Calls on Amtrak to Ensure Customers with Disabilities and Mobility Issues Can Access Rhinecliff Station During Renovation 

In letter to Amtrak CEO, Ryan demands changes like additional short-term parking availability, increased signage to serve all passengers

RHINECLIFF, NY –  In a letter sent to Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, Congressman Pat Ryan called for a number of improvements to increase accessibility during the renovation of the Rhinecliff Train Station, including additional parking and signage. 

"While I applaud Amtrak for the welcome news that they will be implementing much-needed upgrades at the Rhinecliff Train Station, that is no excuse for a lapse in customer service during the renovations,” said Representative Pat Ryan. “I am calling on Amtrak to ensure appropriate accessible parking is available throughout the renovation, and also that they place additional signage around the facilities. It is unacceptable that those with disabilities or mobility issues are struggling to use the station.” 

A copy of Ryan’s original letter to Amtrak Chief Executive Officer Stephen J. Gardner appears below:

Dear Mr. Gardner:

I write to respectfully request that Amtrak take action to ensure that the much-needed Rhinecliff Train Station renovation project maintains passenger access and appropriately serves those customers with disabilities and mobility issues.

Dutchess County residents and passengers across the Hudson Valley welcomed the news earlier this year that Amtrak would be implementing much-needed infrastructure upgrades and modernizations at the Rhinecliff Train Station. One of the main components of these upgrades is ensuring that the station’s platform is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  This station serves hundreds of thousands of passengers annually and is a key part of the Hudson Valley’s commuter and tourism infrastructure. This new investment will improve services at the Rhinecliff Train Station for years to come. 

I am concerned however, that while construction is ongoing over the next few years, passengers, especially those with disabilities or mobility issues, may struggle to use the station. Reports indicate that the temporary mobile units on site have reduced parking availability at the station and required passengers to go to an unmarked overflow lot up a flight of stairs. While this project is ongoing, I ask that you work to ensure that accessible short-term parking is available at the site, especially for passengers with disabilities and older Americans with mobility issues. I also ask that Amtrak place signage around the Rhinecliff Train Station facilities, outlining the renovation timeline and directing passengers to the appropriate parking or pickup lots.

It is my belief that through these important actions, customer service can be maintained during the renovation. Your consideration of this request, consistent with all relevant rules and regulations, is appreciated. I look forward to your response.

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