Amtrak Do not attempt to ride if you are physically handicapped. Lacey Washington
I took the Amtrak train from Lacey, WA to Vancouver, BC in December 2013. At that time, I was using a walking boot and crutches as I had broken my leg. I booked my trip through the Amtrak 'disability' option as I knew I would need assistance with boarding. I boarded in Lacey, WA which is staffed entirely by volunteers. They offered no assistance whatsoever.
When I boarded the train, I told the conducter that I would need assistance getting on to the train. He told me 'there is no lift available. You have to get on the best you can.' With that, because I could not lift my leg in the boot, I literally crawled like an animal on to the train. I threw my crutches up the steps, got down on my knees and pulled myself up the steps. No one helped.
Once in my seat, I told a passing Amtrak staff member that I would need help disembarking. He said to me 'remind me later.' I never saw him again. So I asked for help from every Amtrak member I saw. One man said, 'I will be here to help you when we get to Vancouver.' So, when the train stopped, I waited. And waited and waited. 25 minutes passed. I finally crawled off of the train and another passenger assisted me.
I emailed Amtrak about the episode and never recieved a response. I would never, ever recommend Amtrak to anyone traveling with a disability.