Policy analyst Adam Ballard attempted to buy a group of Amtrak train tickets for a ride usually priced around $16 per person.
Ballard works for a disability advocacy group. The tickets he was attempting to purchase were for five wheelchair users, but Amtrak could only accommodate three wheelchair users on the train.
Ballard balked when he learned that the fee for his group to travel together would require the removal of seats–and a $25 thousand fee.
It wasn't long before Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a military veteran who lost her legs in Iraq—spoke out against Amtrak's unfair policy.
Duckworth expressed plans to use her position as Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to hold Amtrak accountable and to ensure it facilitates efficient and comfortable travel for people of all abilities.
Others called on Amtrak to do the same.
Senator Duckworth won't be backing down.