Washington, DC: March 5, 2009—March 7, 2009
I used Amtrak to cover the 113 miles from MU to Washington (roundtrip approximately $95.00). For the disabled person traveling alone Amtrak is extremely useful.
My next problem was getting from MU to the Lancaster train station, and then from Union Station in Washington, DC to the Capital Hilton. I had already qualified to use Access Link New Jersey’s Paratransit system, which made me eligible not only to use Red Rose Paratransit in Lancaster, but every other Paratransit system in the United States. So, I contacted Metro Access Washington’s Paratransit system told them the dates I would be in their area of operation, and I had Access Link fax Metro Access verification of my eligibility. No time at all, about 10 to 14 days, I had access to Metro’s system.
The overarching difficulty was finding a comfortable room that was within power chair distance of the National Archives at a reasonable price. Using Hotwire, I got lucky. I was able to book a room at the Capital Hilton. By contacting the hotel after I booked through Hotwire, I was even able to get a handicapped accessible room.
Referring to Google Maps, I was pleased to discover that the Capital Hilton was within the required distance (1.5 miles) from the National Archives, which allowed me to come and go as I chose. It was refreshing not to be dependent upon the Paratransit for that portion of the trip. The Capital Hilton was situated in such a way and the power chair held up so well that I was able to do some sightseeing after I completed my research. I visited the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol Building, and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.
In hindsight the above planning seemed simple; I found a room in a hotel close to the National Archives, I made reservations on two Paratransit systems to get to and from both train stations and I had roundtrip tickets on Amtrak. However, the entire trip could have failed if I missed the train in Lancaster, the connecting train in Philadelphia to Washington, or Metro Access to the Capital Hilton. Paratransit systems are not taxi services. They have specific times; if you are not there you are out of luck. So, I had to allow myself extra time so I would not miss either of the trains or my Paratransit rides. I allow for any problems by giving myself an hour to an hour and a half to make each connection. As it turned out, I did a lot of waiting, but I made every connection, and had an enjoyable trip.
