MTA to Apply for Funding from Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill to Advance ADA Package for Five Subway Stations

MTA

NEW YORK ––In its mission to improve accessibility in the New York City subway system, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced it plans to apply for federal funding to advance a package of accessibility projects in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at five stations.

Federal funding – including over $900 million received to date for 14 stations that was made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) – has been instrumental in enabling the MTA to advance ADA upgrade projects. Federally funded ADA projects have been awarded at 36 stations since 2020 thanks to $1.6 billion of Federal funding. In addition, since 2020 the MTA has completed ADA projects at 9 stations awarded before 2020 thanks to $379 million of Federal funding.

When the 2020-2024 Capital Program, which included a historic $5.2 billion for ADA upgrade projects, was first announced there were two stations to be added to the program. If federal funds are secured, the Authority plans to add the 145 St ​​​​(Navy Blue A,Orange B,Navy Blue C,Orange D) station to this bundle. The Harlem subway station serves as a local and express transfer point between the four lettered lines.

The five stations included in the bundle are:

• 167 St ​​(Orange B,Orange D)
• Kingsbridge Rd ​(Green 4)
• 110 St ​(Green 6)
• Wakefield-241 St ​(Red 2)
• 145 St ​​​​(Navy Blue, A,Orange B, Navy Blue C, Orange D)

“This group of stations carry tens of thousands of subway customers daily. The addition of 145 St adds another highly used station that also serves as a transfer point for (Navy Blue A, Orange B Navy Blue C​, and Orange D riders.)   ​ riders,” said NYC Transit President Richard Davey. “While no two days are the same in Transit, the commitment to ensuring every rider has the ability to enter the system is always at the front of our minds. We look forward to adding five more stations to the accessibility map.”

“Thanks to design-build contracting, project bundling, and support from the federal government, the MTA has been able to deliver accessibility projects at a record pace,” said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. “This same approach will ensure the success of these five stations, adding to the record 41 subway stations currently in active construction.”

“The continued support of our federal partners to create an accessible and equitable transit system in New York City has been invaluable,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. “Funding from the 2023 ASAP grant has moved four station projects forward and we hope ASAP funding this year can help us deliver five additional stations with improved design solutions for our customers with disabilities and access needs.”

The MTA’s ability to advance critical station accessibility improvements is in jeopardy with pro-traffic lawsuits being filed in an attempt to gridlock congestion pricing. The Authority is committed to pursuing any stream of eligible federal funding to further its commitment to systemwide ADA-compliance, with other projects awaiting funds that would be made available through funds generated by congestion pricing.

The MTA was awarded a competitive $254 million federal grant last year to advance ADA upgrade projects. The Authority plans to award contracts for this bundle of four subway stations this year, which will include elevator installations as well as other station improvement work such as updating platforms to reduce gaps, adding tactile platform edge warning strips, modifying fare gates, stairs, and improving handrails.

The MTA finished 2023 with nine completed ADA upgrade projects, and a record 42 station projects in active construction.

“The newly announced accessibility upgrades in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to stations in my district and across the city enhances the subway experience for all New Yorkers,” said Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “I fully support the MTA’s request and was proud to help advance the All-Stations Accessibility Program in Congress which boosts these critical upgrades. The MTA’s successful use of federal funds in the past has accelerated the pace of accessibility projects and has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of riders on a daily basis. Today’s announcement furthers our commitment to vital accessibility enhancements and continues our momentum to bringing these projects to fruition.”

“I am pleased that the MTA continues to prioritize accessibility upgrades at our stations and is moving swiftly to access federal funding for multiple stations that serve Senate District 30,” said State Senator Cordell Cleare. “I look forward to helping deliver additional state support, so the entire system is not only ADA compliant, but friendly, convenient and welcoming to all passengers.”

“Our city’s transportation system should be accessible to all New Yorkers,” said State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey. “These station improvements as part of a larger effort to ensure ADA-accessibility system-wide represent a significant step towards equity and will help alleviate the difficulties faced by Bronxites and residents of transit deserts across the city, ensuring they have equitable access to reliable and inclusive transit services. This effort will make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless New Yorkers relying on our city’s subway system, including individuals facing mobility challenges, our seniors, people with disabilities, and families. I want to thank the MTA for their ongoing work to improve accessibility and commitment to the communities we serve.”

“The much-needed upgrades at stations across northern Manhattan and the Bronx will ensure broader access to vital public transportation services for all New Yorkers,” said State Senator Jose M. Serrano. “Newly accessible travel routes, elevator installations, improved handrails, and reduced platform gaps enhance the overall well-being of our community and improve New York City’s vast public transportation options.”

“The Bronx is home to many New Yorkers with mobility disabilities who deserve accessible subway stations to get where they need to go,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera, 33rd District, The Bronx. “I am glad to see the MTA investing in our borough with more elevators and accessibility upgrades and I will continue working with our partners in transportation so that every Bronxite can access public transit close to their home.”

“I am pleased that the Wakefield-241 (Red 2) Street ​ station has been selected for a significant ADA package, marking a major stride in improving accessibility,” said Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz. “This initiative is something I have long supported and advocated for. This funding is one of many steps to enhance accessibility for all public transit users in our district. We must continue to make more and more stations fully accessible.” 

“Accessibility for our residents, especially in the public transportation context, is of paramount importance to me and Assembly District 78,” said Assembly Member George Alvarez. “33 years after the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act, accessibility for all segments of our population remains a priority and there is always room for improvement to ensure individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in every aspect of life to the fullest extent possible. The Kingsbridge Road ​(Green 4) train station located in the heart of Assembly District 78 and its high volume of riders will greatly benefit from accessibility improvements.”

“The 110th Street (Green 6) ​ train station ADA upgrade would exemplify our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for New Yorkers,” said Assembly Member Edward Gibbs. “By enhancing accessibility features at this crucial transportation hub, we are both ensuring that individuals with disabilities can navigate the station seamlessly and fostering a more inclusive, equitable, environment. As the representative of East Harlem, I am fully supportive of this initiative as I understand Harlemites’ dire need for accessible stations. If funding is secured, this upgrade would be a testament to our dedication to create spaces that empower every individual to participate in the opportunities our city has to offer.”

“I commend the MTA’s pursuit of federal funding for subway accessibility upgrades,” said NYC Council Member Eric Dinowitz. “Accessibility is a fundamental right, and this initiative aligns with our commitment to a more inclusive transit system. Last year’s successful federal funding allocation for accessibility projects highlights the MTA’s dedication. Elevator installations, platform updates, and other improvements will contribute to a more user-friendly and equitable subway environment, positively impacting the daily lives of my constituents and all New Yorkers.”

“I am heartened that ADA remains a priority for the MTA. With only 15 of 70 MTA train stations in the Bronx fully ADA-compliant, the Bronx needs increased resources in order to catch up on ADA accessibility. I commend the MTA for prioritizing the Bronx in their forthcoming grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation,” said NYC Council Member Pierina Sanchez.

“Nearly 80% of New York City’s population lives within a half mile of a subway station, but only 55% live near an ADA-accessible station. The Bronx’s subway stations are particularly unlikely to be accessible for people with disabilities, with fewer than a quarter of the stations in the borough currently having an elevator,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “The renovations on the 167th Street, Kingsbridge Road, and Wakefield 241st Street stations will be a significant step forward towards making our public transportation system in the Bronx more equitable and accessible for all New Yorkers commuting to their destination. Thank you to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for pushing this important initiative forward, and we look forward to our continued partnership to make our subway system accessible for all.”

“To get more subway system accessibility, the MTA needs funds from all levels of government and DIA hopes that Federal ASAP funds will help further the goal of building more elevators in areas of our city that have been ignored up to now,” said President of Disabled in Action Jean Ryan.