Conveniently, one booked a hotel just over the road from Penn Station hence we were able to begin our American train experience after, effectively, rolling out of bed. New York Penn station has multiple levels, however, the signs are pretty simple directing you where to go, failing that there is good old information desks! If your catching the Acela, you are entitled to enter the designated seating area which is also where the ‘The Red Cap’ desk is located. The ‘Red Caps’ provide the usual assistance getting on and off trains as in any other country. You may remember that one caught a VIA Canadian train a few years back and a lift was used to get me and Superbunny on and off so it came as a surprise when they brought out a tiny little ramp. It became clear as the Acela Express rolled in that the train was almost flush with the platform (even lower than the new IET’s that have just been introduced in the UK) thus the ramp was merely to bridge the gap…
The trains in American and Canada are on a wider gauge compared to Europe. This means that the carriages have plenty of space in the corridor to manoeuvre a mobility device. However, it is worth noting that the wheelchair space is situated opposite another seat and table so effectively you’re backing onto the seat behind you. As on the Beijing subway, there are floor restraints available but Superbunny is able to hold its own.
As usual, one made friends with some of the train crew as we approached Philadelphia chatting about how I’m from England, the current weather situation etc.
