Wheelchair & Bike Accessibility

METRO Accessibility

METRO engineers, architects and staff consulted regularly with an Accessibility Advisory Committee during design and construction to ensure that the system serves all of its customers’ needs, and meets or exceeds all ADA guidelines.

Station platforms

  • Stations have emergency call boxes that automatically connect to the METRO Operations Control Center when the phone is picked up. The call boxes meet ADA accessibility standards.
  • The horizontal gap between the train and the station platform is less than two-and-a-half inches. Sensors and a hydraulic leveling devices ensure that the vertical gap between vehicle and platform is no more than five-eights of an inch, the same as elevators.
  • Stations are 14 inches above street level and are accessed by inclined walkways with railings. The walkway is fully accessible for people using wheelchair or scooters.
  • Sensors at the stations adjust the lighting to maintain readability of signs at all times of the day and night.
  • Textured warning strips, two feet wide, are placed at crosswalks, platform entries and station edges. Crosswalks that lead to stations located in the middle of the street have three warning strips: one at each curb-cut and one at the station entrance ramp.

Pedestrian safety

  • The vehicle operator will sound the bell each time the vehicle begins moving. The operator will continuously sound the bell when moving through areas with a high level of pedestrian activity. 
  • Each time the vehicle bell sounds, the vehicle headlights will flash, providing a visual warning.
  • The vehicle operator will sound the horn when a pedestrian or vehicle appears to be at risk of inappropriately crossing the track area. 

Vehicle-wheelchair accessibility

  • Wheelchair tie-downs are not necessary on the train. There is little lateral movement, and computer-controlled acceleration and braking systems ensure smooth transitions and stops.
  • There are four wheelchair areas in each vehicle. Aisles are large enough to accommodate wheelchairs.

Fare vending machines

  • Accessible for people of all abilities
  • Non-glare, high-contrast for people with visual impairments
  • Large raised pushbuttons surround the selection screen
  • The machine face is brightly lit at 20 foot candles. 
  • Font size, color and shape meets ADA requirements
  • Braille provided
  • Screen and voice instructions are in Spanish and English
  • Height of the machine functions meet ADA specifications

Signage and rider information

  • Letters on all signs, including electronic signs, are three inches in height and ADA compliant. 
  • Rider information, on station platforms and in light rail vehicles, is presented as both a voice announcement and as a visual display.
  • Begins movement.

Bicycle accessibility

METRO is designed to be bike-friendly. Features include:

  • Four bike racks in each light rail vehicle
  • Bike racks at every park-and-ride and some stations
  • Bike symbols on the outside of the train windows show riders which door is nearest to the bike rack
  • Room inside the vehicle for bicyclists to stand with their bikes