MTA Advances Station Accessibility Upgrades

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is continuing a major program to improve accessibility across its transit network, with projects focused on installing new elevators and ramps, replacing existing accessibility equipment and upgrading station infrastructure to provide easier access for customers with disabilities.

The MTA's 2025–2029 Capital Plan calls for making at least 60 additional subway stations accessible, bringing the subway system to more than 50 percent accessibility and providing accessible service to nearly 70 percent of riders.

Elevator and ADA Improvements

Accessibility projects include the installation of new elevators, ADA-compliant ramps, improved paths of travel and upgrades to station infrastructure.

One major project package is making 13 subway stations accessible, with eight stations receiving new elevators and five stations receiving replacements of existing elevators. The work also includes structural, electrical and communications improvements required to support the accessibility upgrades.

Another package covers 13 stations and includes new elevators or ADA-accessible ramps, structural improvements, electrical and communications upgrades, as well as improvements to adjacent streets and sidewalks.

Systemwide Accessibility Goal

The MTA is working toward making at least 95 percent of its subway stations accessible by 2055. The authority is also targeting accessibility at 95 percent of full-service commuter rail stations by 2045.

Accessibility improvements include more than step-free access to trains. The MTA is also upgrading tactile warning strips, improving platform levels, installing more accessible fare payment gates and enhancing wayfinding and accessible paths through stations.

Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North

The accessibility program also covers commuter rail stations operated by Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad.

The MTA reports that 84 percent of full-service LIRR and Metro-North stations are currently fully accessible, with improvements underway at 11 additional stations under the current capital program.

Prioritizing Stations for Accessibility

The MTA considers several factors when selecting stations for accessibility upgrades, including gaps between accessible stations, important community destinations, ridership levels and the demographic needs of surrounding communities.

The authority also considers the number of seniors and people with disabilities living near stations, along with socioeconomic factors, when determining where accessibility investments are most needed.