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Accessibility by Design: Inside Amtrak's Fleet Modernization (Audio Descriptions)
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Accessibility by Design: Inside Amtrak's Fleet Modernization (Audio Descriptions)
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/07/accessibility-by-design-inside-amtraks-fleet-modernization-audio-descriptions/
Accessibility by Design: Inside Amtrak's Fleet Modernization
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Accessibility by Design: Inside Amtrak's Fleet Modernization
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As we mark the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we're taking a closer look at how accessibility is shaping the future of rail.
From NextGen Acela and the new Airo fleet to future equipment, accessibility is being incorporated throughout Amtrak's fleet modernization efforts.
For a broader look at how Amtrak is advancing accessibility, check out our news release.
Turn on Audio Descriptions in the player above,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Accessibility by Design: Inside Amtrak's Fleet Modernization
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As we mark the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we're taking a closer look at how accessibility is shaping the future of rail.
From NextGen Acela and the new Airo fleet to future equipment, accessibility is being incorporated throughout Amtrak's fleet modernization efforts.
For a broader look at how Amtrak is advancing accessibility, check out our news release.
Turn on Audio Descriptions in the player above,or view the audio-described version of this video here.
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/07/accessibility-by-design-inside-amtraks-fleet-modernization/
SBA Announces $9 Million in Grant Funding for the Supply Chain Acceleration and Logistics Enablement Program
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on July 23, 2026:
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SBA Announces $9 Million in Grant Funding for the Supply Chain Acceleration and Logistics Enablement (SCALE) Program
Funding will help small firms scale production and support strategic priorities
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Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it is seeking proposals for a new funding competition as part of the Supply Chain Acceleration and Logistics Enablement (SCALE) Program, which will award 20 grants of up to $500,000 each over a two year period of performance.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on July 23, 2026:
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SBA Announces $9 Million in Grant Funding for the Supply Chain Acceleration and Logistics Enablement (SCALE) Program
Funding will help small firms scale production and support strategic priorities
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Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it is seeking proposals for a new funding competition as part of the Supply Chain Acceleration and Logistics Enablement (SCALE) Program, which will award 20 grants of up to $500,000 each over a two year period of performance.The program, which will provide a total of $9 million in funding, is designed to help small businesses address supply chain constraints, increase production, and expand participation in strategically important supply chains.
"Thanks to President Trump's tireless commitment to building in America, this Administration is driving the most aggressive reindustrialization effort our nation has ever seen," said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "The Trump SBA is dedicated to strengthening our manufacturing base by supporting the capital and resources required to return to Made in America. The SBA's SCALE Program offers targeted support to rebuild critical supply chains across our industrial base by empowering high potential domestic suppliers to meet new demand, reshore production, and put American workers and producers back in charge of the industries that keep our nation strong - from agriculture and energy to defense."
Eligible applicants include public or private entities, nonprofit organizations, and institutions capable of delivering accelerator programming, technical assistance, industry engagement, or related services that support small businesses in the identified priority supply chains. Applicants must focus on one of the following SCALE industry supply chain priorities:
* Advanced Manufacturing
* Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Supply Chains
* Defense Industrial Base Technologies and Components
* Energy, Critical Materials, and Industrial Inputs
* Food Supply and Agricultural Systems
* Transportation, Logistics, and Industrial Infrastructure
Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, the SBA has emphasized investment in manufacturing and critical supply chains as part of the broader America First agenda to restore U.S. industrial dominance. By pairing new grant programs like SCALE with expanded access to working capital, reforms to long term investment vehicles, and technical assistance for onshoring, the agency is building a comprehensive toolkit to help small businesses reshore the production, logistics, and industrial infrastructure that underpin America's economic and national security.
The SBA has committed to rebuilding American supply chains and domestic manufacturing through a series of targeted initiatives. This year, the agency waived loan fees for manufacturing NAICS codes, established the first-ever loan program dedicated to American manufacturers, and modernized the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program so more private capital flows into critical, supply chain sensitive industries. The agency also announced a new 90% Made in America Loan Guarantee for small manufacturers and continues to promote existing programs such as the asset-based 7(a) Working Capital Pilot (WCP) Program.
Applicants must submit proposals electronically through Grants.gov. The deadline for proposal submissions is Aug. 7 by 4:00 p.m. ET. General questions about these grant opportunities should be directed to accelerators@sba.gov.
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About SBA Office of Investment and Innovation
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Investment and Innovation (OII) leads programs to support U.S. growth-oriented small businesses and startups. These programs provide access to capital, assistance, and networks to support the success of innovation-driven small businesses. OII's work is bolstered by public-private partnerships that drive small business growth from idea to impact. To learn more, visit https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-locations/headquarters-offices/office-investment-innovation.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/07/23/sba-announces-9-million-grant-funding-supply-chain-acceleration-logistics-enablement-scale-program
SBA Announces $6 Million Competition for Women's Business Center Modernization
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release:
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SBA Announces $6 Million Competition for Women's Business Center Modernization
Statutory Awards to Expand Statewide Support Networks and Access for Women Entrepreneurs
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Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a national competition for $6 million in grant funding as part of a new Women's Business Center (WBC) Modernization Initiative. Established nearly 40 years ago during the Reagan Administration, the WBC Program offers training and resources to advance women's entrepreneurship.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release:
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SBA Announces $6 Million Competition for Women's Business Center Modernization
Statutory Awards to Expand Statewide Support Networks and Access for Women Entrepreneurs
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Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a national competition for $6 million in grant funding as part of a new Women's Business Center (WBC) Modernization Initiative. Established nearly 40 years ago during the Reagan Administration, the WBC Program offers training and resources to advance women's entrepreneurship.As part of the Modernization Initiative, the Trump SBA is establishing State Lead Centers supported by local Service Centers in selected states, creating a network of support and delivering wraparound services for small business formation and growth.
The competition will be funded by statutorily obligated funds and is limited to applicants in states and territories where existing WBC funding has not kept pace with the number of women entrepreneurs: Florida, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, West Virginia, and Wyoming. The deadline for proposal submissions is August 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
"Amid record business formation in 2026, the WBC Modernization Initiative is designed to deliver a broader range of statewide resources for women entrepreneurs where business starts are growing the fastest - but where funding has fallen behind. By building coordinated networks of Lead and Service Centers, SBA is aligning counseling, training, and access to capital in a single, connected statewide system that keeps pace with entrepreneurs' needs and helps more women start and grow businesses that create jobs and strengthen communities nationwide," said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "Notably, as I testified last week, the Biden Administration failed to meet statutory grant deadlines for years, and the Trump SBA is not only addressing these administrative failures by providing the funding but modernizing programs that had been treated as box-checking exercises. American taxpayers deserve to know that any dollar deployed is being managed for return on investment."
Across the country, demand for WBC services has outgrown the original footprint of the program. The Modernization Initiative uses a population based formula to help states with relatively limited WBC coverage build statewide networks--anchored by a Lead Center and supported by Service Centers--that expand access to counseling, training, and capital for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.
This Modernization Initiative operates as a stand alone project and does not change existing WBC funding. All 138 current WBCs remain in the program and continue receiving their FY26 base awards under their existing cooperative agreements. In states selected to participate in the Initiative, Lead Center awards will overlay current funding, allowing SBA to evaluate the impact of statewide networks on their own.
The grants will be available to organizations in the eight modernization locations that provide counseling and training services to women owned small businesses, expanding SBA's reach to entrepreneurs who may not have access to a WBC in their community. An eligible applicant for the WBC Modernization Initiative grant must:
* Provide services, especially technical support, to entrepreneurs.
* Be organized and incorporated in the U.S. and remain in good standing in the state or territory of incorporation.
* Be a private not for profit or non profit corporation with an active 501(c) federal tax exempt status certification from the Internal Revenue Service.
* Have established organizational infrastructure with an internal financial management system that meets the requirements of 2 CFR 200.302.
Eligible organizations that are selected will be awarded up to the amount listed on the table below to open and to operate a WBC Lead Center.
States ... Population ... Funding Amount
Texas ... 29,145,505 ... $2,084,765
Florida ... 21,538,187 ... $1,540,617
Pennsylvania ... 13,002,700 ... $930,077
Louisiana ... 4,657,757 ... $333,167
Tennessee/* ... 6,910,840 ... $494,329
West Virginia/* ... 1,793,716 ... $250,000
Wyoming/* ... 576,851 ... $250,000
Virgin Islands/** ... 106,405 ... $200,000
*/ Does not have a WBC
**/ Insular area: - U.S. Code Title 48 1469a(d)
To learn more about this grant opportunity, visit https://www.grants.gov. Questions about these grant opportunities should be directed to the Office of Women's Business Ownership at owbo@sba.gov. The SBA will host a webinar on the following dates to inform the public about the grants. Registration is required through the links provided:
Tuesday, July 28, from 1:00pm - 2:30 p.m. ET
Tuesday, August 4, from 1:00 pm- 2:30 p.m. ET
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About the Office of Women's Business Ownership (OWBO)
The Office of Women's Business Ownership (OWBO) mission is to enable and empower women entrepreneurs through advocacy, outreach, education, and support. Since it was established in response to an Executive Order in 1979, OWBO has provided training, counseling, technical assistance, access to credit and capital, as well as marketing opportunities to women.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/07/21/sba-announces-6-million-competition-womens-business-center-modernization
NASA Inspector General: SkillBridge Fellowship Accelerates Veteran's Career at the Intersection of Defense and Discovery
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- The NASA Inspector General issued the following news:
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SkillBridge Fellowship Accelerates Veteran's Career at the Intersection of Defense and Discovery
Securing America's future in space requires protecting vital assets on Earth and in orbit, while also pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery. Former NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG) SkillBridge Fellow Arthur "AJ" Thibert has forged a unique career at this intersection, merging national defense and data analytics. As a former scientist, he's a critical thinker with a knack for translating complex research
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- The NASA Inspector General issued the following news:
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SkillBridge Fellowship Accelerates Veteran's Career at the Intersection of Defense and Discovery
Securing America's future in space requires protecting vital assets on Earth and in orbit, while also pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery. Former NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG) SkillBridge Fellow Arthur "AJ" Thibert has forged a unique career at this intersection, merging national defense and data analytics. As a former scientist, he's a critical thinker with a knack for translating complex researchfindings into actionable insights. As a U.S. Air Force and Space Force veteran, he's adept at leading intelligence teams that support vital aerospace and satellite operations. Today, he's combining his technical skills and military acumen to help the Navy chart another frontier: the depths of the ocean.
Growing up, Thibert aspired to be an astronaut, performing spacewalks and conducting science experiments in microgravity. This fascination with discovery led him to the University of Central Florida, where he earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry. He went on to complete his PhD at the University of California, Davis, using ultra-fast lasers to study how microscopic materials interact with light.
Even as he immersed himself in the minute world of chemical interactions, Thibert still maintained high-altitude aspirations. Once he finished his PhD, he joined the Air Force in hopes of becoming a pilot. Instead, he was recruited as an intelligence officer, putting his analytical skills to the test while aiding global drone operations. He spent 3 years at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada, where he led a team of analysts who helped pilots and sensor operators track emerging threats and guide mission-critical decisions in real time.
Next, Thibert was stationed in Washington, DC, as an intelligence officer at the National Reconnaissance Office. There, he aided acquisitions by ensuring next-generation satellite technology could effectively support the military's tactical needs.
To bolster his expertise in imagery analysis, he transferred to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in 2019 and enrolled in the Junior Officer Geospatial Intelligence Program. Through this program, he learned how to direct satellite data collection, analyze thermal imagery, write daily intelligence reports, and evaluate threats to U.S. space operations.
Around this time, the U.S. Space Force was established as the first new branch of the armed services in 73 years. Thibert applied to transfer as soon as he could; he viewed it as a natural career progression and an opportunity to protect Earth from the ultimate high ground.
"While the Air Force leverages certain space capabilities, such as the Global Positioning System, the Space Force specializes in defending space assets," Thibert explained. "These assets include satellites and the International Space Station, as well as launch sites."
In 2024, as his Space Force service commitment drew to a close, Thibert decided to participate in the Department of War's SkillBridge Program, which offers military members hands-on industry training during their last 180 days of service. He set his sights on securing a fellowship at the agency that first spurred his interest in space: NASA. He ultimately accepted an offer from the OIG, working in the Office of Data Analytics (ODA).
During his 6-month fellowship, Thibert tackled two primary projects. The first involved conducting in-depth interviews with OIG special agents to understand their workflows and daily operations. The information Thibert gathered helped ODA determine which custom tools they'd need to develop to best support ongoing investigations. For his second project, Thibert learned how to use a software tool called Power BI to build data analytics dashboards. These dashboards tracked key performance metrics, allowing OIG business units to easily visualize personnel management trends and streamline decision making.
"I appreciated that these projects reflected the two main themes of my career," Thibert said. "The qualitative interviews tapped into the people-focused, collaborative skills I developed as a military officer, while the Power BI dashboards allowed me to exercise the technical expertise I built as a researcher."
Power BI is a useful tool to know as a government data analyst, he explained, because he remembers it was a sought-after skill when he was applying for jobs post-fellowship. "Having the OIG at the top of my resume also helped catch the attention of potential employers," he added.
Today, Thibert is a civilian data analyst at the Naval Oceanographic Office, which gathers data about global seas to help the Navy operate safely and effectively. He uses tools like Python and ArcGIS to manage these vast data collections, performing quality control assessments and ensuring the Navy has accurate, easily retrievable marine data for its daily operations. Even now, he's not too far from NASA--the Naval Oceanographic Office shares a campus with Stennis Space Center.
"I'm grateful for my OIG SkillBridge Fellowship, because it helped me return to my hands-on, technical roots," he said. "Without the fellowship, it would have been much harder to transition from my managerial role as an intelligence officer to my current coding-heavy position."
From air to Earth to sea, Thibert is once again in his element, operating at the intersection of national defense and scientific discovery to advance human exploration.
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Original text here: https://oig.nasa.gov/news/skillbridge-fellowship-accelerates-veterans-career-at-the-intersection-of-defense-and-discovery/
EPA Proposes Interim Cleanup Plan for Wappinger Creek Superfund Site in Dutchess County, New York
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Proposes Interim Cleanup Plan for Wappinger Creek Superfund Site in Dutchess County, New York
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NEW YORK \- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing an interim cleanup plan to address mercury-contaminated sediment and soil along the banks of Wappinger Creek in Dutchess County, New York.
The Wappinger Creek Superfund site includes the lower two miles of the creek, from the base of Wappingers Falls to where the creek meets the Hudson River. EPA's proposed plan focuses on the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Proposes Interim Cleanup Plan for Wappinger Creek Superfund Site in Dutchess County, New York
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NEW YORK \- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing an interim cleanup plan to address mercury-contaminated sediment and soil along the banks of Wappinger Creek in Dutchess County, New York.
The Wappinger Creek Superfund site includes the lower two miles of the creek, from the base of Wappingers Falls to where the creek meets the Hudson River. EPA's proposed plan focuses on theupper portion of the site to remove contaminated material that could move downstream. The proposal calls for removing sediment from the creek and soil along the banks that contain high levels of mercury. After the contaminated material is removed, EPA would backfill the excavated areas and restore the affected parts of the creek and stream bank.
This proposed cleanup is an interim action designed to get cleanup action moving faster. It is not the final cleanup decision for the entire site. EPA would monitor conditions after the work is completed to confirm the interim cleanup is working as intended and to help guide a future final cleanup plan for the site.
Since day one, the Trump Administration has had renewed focus on delivering on its core mission and has proven significant progress can be made at Superfund sites when resources are used correctly. At this Superfund site, by taking an interim remedial action to address the most significant contamination first, EPA is utilizing enhanced project management and deploying tools and authorities earlier.
"This interim approach gets us in the creek sooner getting some of the worst contamination out more quickly," said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. "By targeting contaminated sediment and soil along the creek banks in the upper portion of the site, EPA is working to reduce the movement of contamination downstream and protect the creek while we continue to evaluate the long-term cleanup needs for the entire site."
EPA is accepting public comments on the proposed plan for 30 days, beginning July 23, 2026. The public may submit written comments to Emily Wong, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway, New York, NY 10007 or by email to Wong.Emily@epa.gov.
EPA will hold a public meeting on July 30 at 6:00 p.m. to provide an overview of the cleanup proposal and answer community questions. The meeting will be held at the Grinnell Public Library, 2642 E Main St, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.
The proposed plan and supporting documents will be available on the Wappinger Creek Superfund site profile page.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X Exit EPA's website, Instagram Exit EPA's website, and visit our Facebook Exit EPA's website page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-proposes-interim-cleanup-plan-wappinger-creek-superfund-site-dutchess-county-new
Amtrak Advances Accessibility Across Its National Network
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak Advances Accessibility Across Its National Network
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As the nation marks the 36th ADA anniversary, Amtrak reaffirms its commitment to creating a more accessible travel experience for all customers.
WASHINGTON - Accessibility remains a core component of Amtrak's mission to provide safe, reliable and welcoming transportation for all travelers. As the nation marks the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, Amtrak is highlighting significant progress in
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak Advances Accessibility Across Its National Network
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As the nation marks the 36th ADA anniversary, Amtrak reaffirms its commitment to creating a more accessible travel experience for all customers.
WASHINGTON - Accessibility remains a core component of Amtrak's mission to provide safe, reliable and welcoming transportation for all travelers. As the nation marks the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, Amtrak is highlighting significant progress inmaking rail travel more accessible and inclusive across its national network.
"Accessibility is fundamental to how we serve our customers today and how we plan for the future," said Dr. David Handera, Vice President, Accessibility, Stations & Facilities at Amtrak. "From station improvements and new train fleets to innovative customer services, we are making meaningful progress toward creating a more accessible transportation network that serves all customers for generations to come."
Through investments in stations, fleet modernization and customer support services, Amtrak continues to advance accessibility throughout the customer journey.
Expanding Services for Customers
Amtrak recently launched a partnership with Be My Eyes, an accessibility platform that connects blind and low-vision customers with specially trained staff familiar with station layouts and accessibility resources.
The service is currently available at 51 stations and provides real-time assistance and wayfinding support, helping customers navigate their travel experience more independently.
Stations
Amtrak continues to make steady progress toward improving accessibility at stations. Of the 382 stations under Amtrak's responsibility, 163 are now fully ADA compliant. To support continued progress, 306 station designs have been completed, 86 projects are currently underway and 132 projects are scheduled for construction through 2030.
New Trains, Designed for Accessibility
Amtrak introduced its NextGen Acela fleet, which was designed for better accessibility. NextGen Acela features new digital displays, spacious bathrooms and at-seat access panels that improve accessibility. Later this year, Amtrak will also introduce new Airo trainsets on the Amtrak Cascades route connecting Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. These trains will feature onboard lifts, accessible restrooms, spacious entry areas and improved access to onboard amenities. With Northeast Regional service expected to commence in 2027 and additional routes following in subsequent years, customers will experience enhanced accessibility, comfort and convenience as more trains enter service.
Looking Ahead
As Amtrak continues its broader fleet modernization and infrastructure improvement programs, accessibility remains a guiding principle in the design of future rail travel experiences. That commitment is also shaping Amtrak's future Long Distance fleet, ensuring the next generation of trains delivers greater choice, comfort and mobility for all customers traveling across the national network for decades to come.
Together, these efforts reflect Amtrak's ongoing commitment to a more accessible transportation experience for all customers.
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/07/amtrak-advances-accessibility-across-its-national-network/
