Elegudin to serve as first MTA accessibility chief

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
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Pictured: Alex Elegudin | Photo courtesy: MTA/Patrick Cashin

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit (NYCT) President Andy Byford has announced the selection of Alex Elegudin as the agency’s first systemwide accessibility chief.

In this role, Elegudin will oversee and implement NYCT’s Fast Forward Plan initiative to expand accessibility to subway and bus customers, as well as improve Access-A-Ride service.

A long-time accessibility advocate, Elegudin will be NYCT’s first senior advisor for systemwide accessibility, which the agency says is an executive-level position reporting directly to Byford. Elegudin’s first day on the job will be June 25.

“Advancing the cause of accessibility is one of my top priorities and Alex’s new role will pull together all of our accessibility-related work streams, touching all Fast Forward projects and all NYC Transit departments,” Byford said.

Elegudin said he is “incredibly excited” to join Byford’s executive team

“The vision set forth in the ‘Fast Forward’ plan will make NYCT work better for New Yorkers of all abilities, with a strong emphasis on improving accessibility quickly.  I look forward to being a part of making the plan a reality and helping to make New York City the most accessible city in the world.”

MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota, who has convened a special working group of MTA Board members to advise on improving accessibility said expanding accessibility is a priority for all MTA agencies.

“President Byford’s creation of this new position and Alex’s appointment are a victory for all of our customers who need more accessible subway, bus and paratransit service,” Lhota added.

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