Access to New York City subways for those unable to climb stairs is likely to become easier—by 2055. Lawsuits initiated in 2017 have been winding their way forward, shining the spotlight on the fact that of the 472 stations operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), only 126 provide full accessibility for customers with disabilities.
Committing To Change
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is nearing a final settlement to resolve multiple class action lawsuits related to the inaccessibility of New York City’s subway system. Although 2055 is a long way off, the National Disabilities Rights Network sees commitment to a “firm timeline” as good progress for New York City, which has been slower then other cities, such as Chicago and Boston, to move forward on constructing for accessibility. Construction Dive reports:
MTA operates 472 stations, only 126 of which are fully accessible to customers with disabilities. The agreement stipulates that MTA procure contracts to upgrade 81 stations by 2025, another 85 stations by 2035, an additional 90 stations by 2045, and the remaining 90 stations by 2055. MTA’s capital plan for 2020 through 2024 outlines $5.2 billion for accessibility upgrades….A 2018 report from the city comptroller’s office found that nearly 200,000 New Yorkers with disabilities lived in neighborhoods that lacked a single accessible subway station. The benefits of future elevators and ramps will apply not just to people living with a disability but potentially to millions of older people and thousands of families seeking to navigate the city with strollers…
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Important to Know
MTA leadership cautions that funding to complete the promised accessibility work is partially contingent on funds anticipated when (and if) congestion pricing plans go into effect for Manhattan. The Riders Alliance stresses: “It’s up to the governor and federal officials to start congestion pricing and raise the revenue needed to upgrade hundreds of subway stations for full accessibility. With gridlock, pollution, and carbon emissions compromising New York’s recovery, the time is now to implement congestion pricing and deliver the reliable, accessible subway New York needs and deserves…”
Indeed, New York City has always been capable of getting some big projects done—and even winning awards for them. The American Council of Engineering Companies recognized New York City’s Moynihan Train Hall for “most outstanding engineering effort” of 2021. Located across 8th Avenue from the infamously dingy Penn Station, Moynihan Train Hall beautifully used the original steel tresses of the 100 year old post office building it sits inside. Gotham To Go shares:“The 255,000-square-foot, $1.6 billion project transformed the more than 100-year-old James A. Farley Post Office Building into a modern, world-class facility that dramatically upgrades and redesigns America’s busiest transit hub, increasing the existing Penn Station rail complex’s concourse space by 50 percent.” It’s also beautiful—and uplifting: out of 195 entries from around the world, the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) awarded Moynihan Train Hall the Grand Conceptor Award.
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Founded in 1930, Colonial Surety Company is a leading direct seller and writer of surety bonds and insurance products across the USA. Colonial is rated “A Excellent” by A.M. Best Company and U.S. Treasury listed.