Accessible Services

Boarding Procedure for Customers Using a Wheeled Mobility Device or Who Have Limited Mobility (Commuter Rail)

This page will discuss the boarding process on commuter rail trains for customers who use a wheeled mobility device or who have limited mobility.

Boarding A Commuter Rail Train

The following procedure may be used when boarding a commuter rail train.

Customer behind yellow line on platform. Click to enlarge.
  • If you are boarding the commuter rail train from a high-level platform, remain away from the platform edge until the train comes to a complete stop.
Customer wheeling to the top of mini-high platform. Click to enlarge.
  • If you are boarding the commuter rail train from a mini-high platform, you will first need to wheel your way onto the mini-high platform. When you are on the mini-high platform, remain away from the platform edge until the train comes to a complete stop.
Conductor asking customer using wheeled mobility device for their destination. Click to enlarge.
  • Once the train comes to a complete stop, the train conductor will assist you in boarding the train through the use of a mobile bridgeplate that spans the gap between the train and the platform. Prior to boarding the train, let the commuter rail conductor know your destination so that they can lead you to the commuter rail car you will need to be in to exit the train (click here to learn why it's important to let the conductor know where you are going).
Customer wheeling onto train. Click to enlarge.
  • Once the portable bridgeplate has been deployed, wheel onto the train through the use of the mobile bridgeplate. Upon request, commuter rail conductors are required to assist customers in boarding the train under MBTA policy.
Customer using wheeled mobility device in wheeled mobility device area on commuter rail train. Click to enlarge.
  • Areas for those who use wheeled mobility devices are available on all commuter rail trains. These areas are usually located near the front and end of each commuter rail car.
Customer showing pass to conductor. Click to enlarge.