Riding with a Disability

Parking

The Caltrain parking fee is waived for any person with a disability whose car displays a disabled California license plate or parking placard issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The car does not have to be parked in an accessible space for the fee to be waived.

Fares

Seniors and persons with disabilities who present a Regional Transit Connection Discount card, Medicare card or a Department of Motor Vehicles Disabled Person Placard Identification card may ride Caltrain at approximately one-half the one-way fare. To request a Regional Transit Connection Discount card with Clipper visit the MTC/511 website or call Clipper Customer Service at 1.877.878.8883 or Caltrain at 1.800.660.4287 (TTY only 650.508.6448).

Ticket Purchase

Caltrain operates a Proof-of-Payment system. One-way tickets, Day passes and Zone Upgrades can be purchased at ticket machines at each station. Clipper® is a fare payment method on Caltrain. Monthly passes, 8-ride tickets or cash may be loaded on the Clipper/RTC card.

How to Board the Train

Customers may use the lift or accessible ramp if they are in a wheelchair, have a mobility device or are unable to use the stairs. If you will need help boarding, or finding a seat, please wait on the blue boarding assistance square painted on the ground (at the north end of the platform) or sit on the boarding assistance bench in the same area. Conductors look for passengers in this area and will offer assistance.

For instructions on using the lift, please see Using a Wheelchair on Caltrain.

On the Train

Every train car has priority seats for seniors and persons with disabilities. The seats are marked with a sign. If all of these seats are taken, ask a conductor for assistance.

How to Get 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 tone and light to indicate the doors are opening and closing. All cars have an automated voice warning that announces, "Caution: doors are about to close."

Travel Training

Caltrain offers free 1-on-1 travel training to teach adults, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities on how to ride the train. Participants learn where to wait for the train; how to purchase tickets and tag Clipper; how to make connections and how to get help if lost or having trouble on the trip.

For more information about travel training, please call 650-508-6362 (TTY 650-508-6448) or email ambassador@samtrans.com.

Reasonable Modification

Caltrain is committed to making reasonable modifications to its policies, practices and procedures to ensure full access to its service for customers with disabilities. Visit the reasonable modification request page or call Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287 (TTY 650.508.6448).

Talking Signs

Caltrain has installed an audible sign system at the San Francisco and San Jose Diridon stations to help customers with visual impairments navigate independently.

Strategically placed transmitters emit infrared signals that are picked up by a light-weight, hand-held receiver that guides the user to their destination by an audible voice that calls out names of landmarks. The receivers are available upon request by calling 650.508.6202 or (TTY 650.508.6448).

Key Points

  • Caltrain conductors will assist you to the best of their abilities to ensure that your ride on Caltrain is safe, smooth and comfortable. If you need assistance from the conductor, please ask.
  • All accessible stations also have backup lifts on the platform if the onboard lift needs service.
  • The designated ADA car is the second car from the north, or San Francisco end, of the train. On all trains, the car is marked with the blue accessibility symbol next to the doors. All accessible cars have an accessible restroom.
  • Most stations have a public address system to announce emergencies and train delays. Many stations also have electronic message boards. On the train, stops are announced by the conductor on a public address system.

Safety Note

Please remain behind the yellow line on the platform until the train has come to a complete stop. Some trains are expresses and do not stop at all stations. It is possible for both express and local trains to run on either track in either direction.

For more information, call 650.508.6202.