Governor Kathy Hochul, in coordination with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), has announced that 12 additional subway stations will undergo accessibility upgrades. The announcement, made during Disability Pride Month, is part of the MTA’s 2025–2029 Capital Plan, which aims to make at least 60 stations compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). According to the information, approximately 70 percent of subway rides are expected to begin or end at ADA-accessible stations once the plan is complete.
“Every New Yorker deserves an accessible, safe, and reliable transit system, and today’s announcement represents real progress towards a better subway for everyone," Governor Hochul said in a press release. The selected stations, which are located across four boroughs, were chosen based on factors such as location, ridership, and community demographics. For the first time, the MTA incorporated public input through an online tool, receiving over 2,000 responses to help shape its priorities.
New York State Chief Disability Officer Kimberly Hill Ridley also responded to the announcement, stating, “With this announcement comes the news that all New Yorkers, both with and without disabilities, families and visitors to this great state will soon have more access to the subway station that connects so many important parts of this city,” in a statement obtained by the Governor's office. Planned improvements include the installation of new elevators and platform modifications. Additionally, the MTA has launched an updated Elevator and Escalator Status tool to provide riders with real-time accessibility information.
The initiative has received federal support as well. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer noted, “These much-needed accessibility upgrades at subway stations across the city are key to modernizing the system and making public transit more accessible for the whole riding public,” highlighting that individuals with disabilities have historically faced significant barriers in transit access. The upgrades are funded in part by federal sources and congestion pricing revenues. Since 2020, the pace of ADA accessibility projects has doubled compared to the previous six years, as reported by the Governor's office.
Stations identified for upgrades include 53 St (R), 63 Dr–Rego Park (M/R), and Bedford–Nostrand Avs (G), among others. Several elected officials and advocates have expressed support for the expansion. “I'm thrilled to hear that the MTA has expanded the number of stations included in their Accessibility Plan," said Representative Dan Goldman, in a statement shared by the Governor’s office.
