Using a Wheelchair

Wheelchair Accessibility

All of Caltrain's trains are accessible to passengers using a mobility device via either a ramp or a mobile lift. One restroom car is located in the second car from the north end.

For all trains, please wait for the conductor to assist you at the blue access symbol painted on the platform.

• Caltrain's electric trains have wheelchair areas and priority seating areas on each car. These areas are indicated by signage.

• The conductor will ask you for your destination before you board to make sure the station you are traveling to is accessible.
• If you or your attendant can fold your wheelchair and you can transfer to a seat, you may board the train even if all the wheelchair spaces are occupied.

Caltrain will board and transport mobility devices that can be safely boarded and accommodated on the lift/bridge plate and in the rail car.

Use of the Ramp and Bridge

When ready to board, passengers with wheelchairs should use the ramp to the mini-high platform at the north end of the station and wait for the train to safely come to a complete stop. Please stay behind the yellow line until the train has completely stopped. Ramps are for wheelchairs and people with disabilities.

• The conductor will deploy a bridge plate (portable ramp) so that you can board the train.
• Once onboard, move to the designated priority seating area.

Use of the Mobile Lift

At stations where there is not a mini-high platform, passengers using a mobility device can board the train via a conductor-operated mobile lift. Caltrain will board and transport mobility devices that can be safely boarded and accommodated on the lift and in the rail car.

• Before boarding the train, remove poles or flags attached to your mobility device.
• Board the lift and set the brakes of your wheelchair.
• The conductor will raise the lift until you are level with the entryway to the train.
• Release your brakes and proceed into the train.
• Move into the area designated for wheelchairs.

Getting Off the Train

When the train arrives at your destination:

• Please wait until all passengers have gotten on or off.
• Conductor will deploy the bridge-plate.
• Proceed onto the bridge plate facing forward and move to the ramp. 

All accessible cars have pressure-sensitive doors, an audible tone, voice announcement and light to indicate the doors are opening and closing.  

Getting off with a Lift

• Please wait until all passengers have gotten on or off. 
• Proceed onto the lift facing forward and set the brakes of your wheelchair. 
• The conductor will then lower the lift. 
• Release your brakes and exit the lift onto the platform. 

All accessible cars have pressure-sensitive doors, an audible tone, voice announcement and light to indicate the doors are opening and closing. 

South County Connector and Diesel Trains 

South County Connector trains will board at San Jose Diridon and offer a convenient cross-platform transfer from the electric trains. 

The Bombardier trains have accessible cars and use the accessible ramp or the mobile platform wheelchair lift.

Use of the Lift 

Caltrain will board and transport mobility devices that can be safely accommodated on the lift and in the rail car.

• Remove poles or flags attached to your mobility device before boarding the train. 
• Board the lift and set the brakes of your wheelchair. 
• The conductor will raise the lift until you are level with the entryway to the train. 
• Release your brakes and proceed onto the train. 
• Move into the area designated for wheelchairs. 

Getting off the train 

When the train arrives at your destination: 

• Please wait until all passengers have gotten on or off. 
• Proceed onto the lift facing forward and set the brakes of your wheelchair. 
• The conductor will then lower the lift. 
• Release your brakes and exit the lift onto the platform. 

All accessible cars have pressure-sensitive doors and an audible warning and light to indicate the doors are opening and closing.