All Aboard Florida will increase accessible travel

The All Aboard Florida project exemplifies how communities working together can successfully adapt to a changing environment.

The world’s population continues to grow as does Florida’s and with this growth comes undeniable increases in traffic and subsequent pollution, auto accidents, related health care costs and overall stress levels of a community.

Traveling for everyone is a challenge, but for those with limited mobility requiring wheelchairs, walkers, etc. or have decreased endurance, arthritis or other impairments, traveling in Florida and can be prohibitive. As a physical therapist, I see the quality-of-life compromises families often must make due to inadequately adapted transportation and related infrastructure. AAF has gone above and beyond the ADA requirements in designing the first fully accessible train in the world and ensuring accessible train stations.

Automatic “level boarding” eliminates the restrictive gap when crossing from the platform to the train, aisles and a covered pass through are wide enough to accommodate the larger wheelchairs providing full train access, and the choice to remain in the wheelchair while traveling or store it, are all part of this state of art design.

AAF will have a positive impact on thousands living, working and visiting Florida. Supporting AAF by visualizing beyond our own backyards and seeing how we can fit into the big picture is an important step in adapting to the future and defines what we pass on to our children.

We need to work as a community, move forward and get on board.

Martha Wichert, Plantation