Look back on 2023 and forward to 2024!
We got a lot done this year! The programs and milestones we reached in 2023 and those in the works for 2024 are only possible because of collaboration among advocates, organizational partners, and departments and divisions across the MTA, working to embed accessibility as a core value into everything the MTA does.
As we celebrate the winter holidays and the new year, don't forget to stay in touch with us! 2024 has so much in store for new accessible stations, more effective audio/visual information, more innovative wayfinding solutions in more stations, and even more new buses. You can always check out our accessibility homepage for information on our latest projects, or the Accessibility Projects webpage to get information on stations receiving capital ADA-accessibility upgrades. Plus, the Advisory Committee for Transit Accessibility (ACTA) begins a new term this January, so stay tuned for exciting announcements and new members.
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Subway accessibility
New accessible stations
This year we placed more than a dozen new elevators into service at 9 newly accessible stations. Many of these projects also include beautiful artwork commissioned through the MTA Arts & Design program. All projects include work to make the stations fully ADA-accessible, including platform upgrades, lighting, and other necessary work.
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Most recently, earlier this month two new elevators were placed into service at the 181 St (A) station in Washington Heights, Manhattan. The project included installing new elevators from the lower mezzanine to the platform, and a new ADA-compliant ramp making the station entrance at Overlook Terrace accessible.
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Other newly accessible stations include:
Lastly, the Hoyt St (2/3) station in downtown Brooklyn became partially accessible through the External Partner Program (EPP). EPP and Zoning For Accessibility are two programs that help us leverage external investment to reach accessibility goals.
With 25 additional stations currently in construction to become accessible, and an additional 16 station projects approved last week by the MTA Board, we look forward to many more openings in the months and years ahead. Learn more about the approved contracts, and use our Accessibility Projects webpage to check the status of stations in progress to become accessible!
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Detectable Warning Strips (DWS)
In 2022 and 2023, the Department of Subways installed yellow DWS on 52 platforms in 25 subway stations across Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx.
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Most recently, we completed work at one platform each at the Carroll St (F,G) and Nostrand Av (3) stations in Brooklyn--with work at both stations to be complete in early 2024. We were able to accelerate the pace of installing this important accessibility and safety feature thanks to commitment from our Infrastructure Capital Construction (ICC) team, who has developed a process to install DWS in a faster, more cost-effective manner that requires less time and fewer service disruptions.
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Congestion pricing public review process
Starting this week, the public is invited to participate in another 60-day public review period for congestion pricing, formally the Central Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP). MTA Bridges and Tunnels will accept written and audio comments and will hold four hybrid public hearings in February/March. Check out our webpage on CBDTP to learn about the proposed tolling structure, or see the press release detailing the CBDTP public comment period.
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Expanding innovative wayfinding solutions
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Tactile Braille line maps are being rolled out to several stations along the 1 line, and large, high contrast floor decals in the accessible boarding areas have been installed at more than 20 accessible stations in midtown and west side of Manhattan. This expansion is thanks to the partnership of State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal.
Thanks to the FTA's 5310 and US DOT SMART Grants, we will be expanding NaviLens and boarding area decals to additional stations across multiple boroughs in 2024.
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On our buses, 2023 saw the expansion of the Open Stroller Pilot to more than 1,000 buses across 57 bus routes, and customer feedback continues to be overwhelmingly positive.
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This year we also launched a pilot of the Quantum wheelchair self-securement device on 10 buses along the M7 route in downtown Manhattan.
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The automated securement system is designed to allow those using manual or power wheelchairs to quickly and independently secure themselves on a bus with just the push of a button. You can still check these out and give us your feedback! Learn more about the self-securement device on our website.
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In addition to the stroller program and Quantum self-securement system, hundreds of new and retrofitted buses hit the streets with audio/visual Digital Information Systems (DIS), flexible flip-up seats, and wider doors and ramps, advancing our progress toward making our buses more universally accessible.
We're also thrilled to see the expansion of the Automatic Bus Lane Enforcement (ABLE) program into Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) in 2024, so that we can not only improve bus lane enforcement, but do more to keep all our bus stops clear, whether or not they are in bus lanes.
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Access-A-Ride (AAR) updates
This year AAR also raised the bar on what we consider an on-time pick up for our customers. We are now measuring ourselves against a 20-minute window instead of a 30-minute window. Performance has shown continuous improvement since the beginning of the year and we are at nearly 90% of customers picked up within the 20 minute pick-up window.
Last, but certainly not least, this year saw the launch of an upgraded MY AAR app and web-based booking service for AAR customers. Since the updates this spring, we’ve more than doubled the number of paratransit trips booked through the app, providing easier booking and trip tracking for customers who prefer the app experience. We look forward to continuing to educate our AAR customers about the ability to quickly and easily book trips in the app, and making sure our call center agents are there for those who need them as quickly as possible.
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Be sure to check new.mta.info to make sure you have the most up-to-date service and elevator status information when preparing to travel in our system, especially with continuing winter weather.
As always, feel free to contact us at accessibility@mtahq.org.
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![[4:43 PM] Philipson, Mira Elevator with adjacent wall mosaic art piece. Elevator signs say "A" downtown brooklyn and queens.](https://mcusercontent.com/80933c2dc37752eeb9470b75f/images/14f843b6-805c-6e70-a851-4d817275cb4d.jpg)
