METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Amtrak Completes Accessibility Work in Bay Area

Customers can now enjoy a more accessible and comfortable experience at California's Martinez, Hayward, Fremont, and Oakland-Coliseum Stations following the completion of $20.8 million in upgrades.

Amtrak Completes Accessibility Work in Bay Area

Due largely to Federal investments, the improvements are part of Amtrak’s commitment to creating safer, more accessible facilities across its national network through its ADA Stations Program.

Photo: Amtrak

3 min to read


In partnership with the cities of Martinez, Hayward, Fremont, and Oakland, Calif., Amtrak completed accessibility improvements at its Bay Area stations.

Customers can now enjoy a more accessible and comfortable experience at the Martinez, Hayward, Fremont, and Oakland-Coliseum Stations following the completion of $20.8 million in upgrades.

Ad Loading...

“We’re delivering a new era of rail while bringing greater accessibility to stations nationwide,” said Amtrak Vice President of Accessibility Dr. David Handera. “As we prioritize station accessibility throughout Amtrak, we are thrilled that these Bay Area stations can provide a welcoming and comfortable experience for all customers.”

Bringing Accessibility to the Bay Area

Due largely to Federal investments, the improvements are part of Amtrak’s commitment to creating safer, more accessible facilities across its national network through its ADA Stations Program.

Since 2011, Amtrak has invested more than $870 million in upgrades at 124 stations across the country, providing a better travel experience for customers with disabilities.

Current Bay Area station upgrades include:

  • Martinez Station: Investments of $8.5 million were made to the Martinez Station, which serves the Capitol Corridor, Amtrak San Joaquins, Coast Starlight, and California Zephyr. Updates include a resurfaced platform with tactile warning surfaces along the platform edge so passengers with vision disabilities can safely navigate public spaces. The Martinez Station also offers an accessible path from the bus drop off, through the station and onto the platform. Customers can also leverage renovated restrooms, a new ticket counter, and other modifications that better serve the community.

  • Hayward Station: Investments of $5.6 million were made to the Hayward Station which serves Capitol Corridor trains. The station now offers a new platform with increased space and a crossing to connect the platforms. The station also offers energy efficient LED light fixtures and new station signage that improves accessibility.

  • Fremont Station: Investments of $4.2 million were made to the Fremont Station, which serves Capitol Corridor trains. The new design provides a new platform and additional space on the station-side platform where customers can access the track in both directions. The station also offers energy efficient LED light fixtures and new station signage that improves accessibility.

  • Oakland-Coliseum Station: Investments of $2.5 million were made to the Oakland-Coliseum Station, which serves Capitol Corridor trains. The design includes a resurfaced platform with tactile warning so passengers with vision disabilities can safely navigate public spaces. Signage, trash receptacles, and pedestrian pathways also provide better access to the local community.

Ad Loading...

Amtrak’s Ongoing Work

Accessibility upgrades and improvement projects across the national network aim to provide a safe, efficient, and comfortable travel experience for customers with disabilities.

The improvements include repairs and upgrades to platforms, ramps, and sidewalks, and renovations to entranceways and restrooms, with 20 stations brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act last year.

 Another 35 stations are targeted for completion this fiscal year as Amtrak works toward 100% completion by 2029.

More Rail

Operation Lifesaver Rail Safety Education logo over railroad tracks background, representing rail safety awareness initiatives.
Railby News/Media ReleaseMay 4, 2026

Operation Lifesaver Awards Rail Safety Outreach Funds in 12 States

Operation Lifesaver awarded $220,200 in grants to 12 states to support rail safety campaigns focused on grade crossing awareness and trespass prevention.

Read More →
Caltrain trains on tracks
Railby StaffMay 1, 2026

Caltrain Survey Shows Record-High Rider Approval

The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.

Read More →
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Carmen C. Cham of HNTB
Managementby Alex RomanApril 29, 2026

How Transit Architecture Is Reshaping the Rider Journey

In this Consultant Roundtable, Carmen C. Cham shares insights on how agencies can create spaces that are intuitive, connected and built for long-term impact.

Read More →
A Red Line Rendering
Railby StaffApril 27, 2026

Chicago Kicks Off Historic Red Line Extension at Michigan Avenue Station Site

The Red Line Extension Project will provide the Far South Side of Chicago with rapid rail transit for the first time by extending the Red Line by 5.5 miles from 95th Street to 130th Street, including the construction of four new Red Line stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan, and 130th streets.

Read More →
Trains at railroad crossings
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 27, 2026

USDOT Invests $1.1B to Enhance Safety Infrastructure at Railroad Crossings

Every year, more than 2,000 incidents and 300 fatalities occur at railroad crossings nationwide. 

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Siemens and LK Comstock photo for Fulton-Liberty Lines
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 27, 2026

NYC’s Fulton–Liberty Lines Get Digital Signal Upgrade from Siemens and L.K. Comstock

The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.

Read More →
WMATA 7000-series railcars at Navy Yard
Managementby StaffApril 24, 2026

WMATA Adopts FY2027 Budget, Boosts Service Without Raising Fares

While recognizing regional economic constraints and continuing to improve service, the budget increases the jurisdictional subsidy to less than 1.8%, significantly below the inflation rate and the 3% regional target, said agency officials.

Read More →
Denver RTD's A Line with passengers
Railby StaffApril 23, 2026

Denver's RTD Celebrates 10th Anniversary of the A Line

With more than 59,400,000 boardings since the service’s debut, the A Line’s utilization surpassed that of all other RTD rail services in 2025, the agency reported.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Passengers on a public transit vehicle.
Railby StaffApril 21, 2026

Virginia DRPT Releases Draft Six-Year Program for Transit, Rail Investments

The plan outlines funding for transit operations, capital projects, and freight and passenger rail initiatives, as state officials seek public input on priorities shaping mobility and infrastructure across the Commonwealth.

Read More →