The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered the lives of millions in our region and beyond – including pausing the MTA’s Capital Program, which is essential to delivering more accessible options for system riders. Despite this pause, in 2020, the MTA completed 11 new subway station accessibility projects and has increased from 70 to 77 the number of stations it will make accessible in its 2020-24 Capital Program.
While the progress is encouraging, there is still so much work that must be completed considering that just 28 percent of the 493 subway stations – including SIR – are accessible; 2/3 of LIRR city stations are accessible; and just half of Metro-North city stations accessible. Therefore, the City Planning Commission and City Council should approve the Zoning For Accessibility proposal to support increasing accessible stations within the City for tens of thousands of riders who simply need more options for full participation – whether they be in wheelchairs or on crutches, parents with children, passengers with luggage, or seniors trying to get across town.