I would sit next to him, or across; be polite and describe your location. "Excuse me, sir, I'm just to your left" or "I'm just across the aisle from you". Follow up with "I just thought I would say hello, I notice we often take the same train."

The blind and visually impaired are just people.

I have that happen a lot (strangers on the train talking to me) and sometimes it's really awkward. Make sure he knows you're talking to him (I often don't get this at first) and if you really have to tell him how awesome it is that he gets by so well, keep it short ... I personally hate to talk about my disability to strangers, but am polite anyway, which leads to people questioning me half an hour about things I don't really like to talk about... Don't tell him that you have been watching him, that always gives me the chills... Just be empathic, you will sense when he does not want to talk.

i have a similar question. i have a friend who has a lot of vision loss from albinism. we mostly talk over the internet and i only see the guy maybe once a year. when i see him in public i often approach him and start talking to him like i could any old friend. when i approach him should i tell him who i am? its kind of like calling someone on the telephone where you tell a person who you are if they aren't expecting a call from you and don't hear your voice often. it just feels awkward because i wouldn't treat my sighted friends like that.

I'm not blind myself (I have partial sight). First off, I think it's awesome that you're interested in getting an opinion about this from those who are visually impaired as opposed to assuming what's best when you clearly wish to be respectful, etc. Anyway, I can only speak from my experience, but I know that sometimes it's best to speak more than show, so saying where you are might actually be helpful; especially if you're across from him. I'd comment first on your taking the same train every day, then see if it's possible to talk to him about whatever it is that "attracted" you to chatting with him in the first place. Much like everyone has said, we are all simply people, but for sure, some considerations are in place, so it's great that you're willing to get empathetic opinions. :)

You literally walk up to him, introduce yourself and see if he shows an interest in talking to you.

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