Media Kit » Try RailPrime™ Today! »
Progressive Railroading
Newsletter Sign Up
Stay updated on news, articles and information for the rail industry



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.




railPrime
View Current Digital Issue »



Rail News Home Passenger Rail

1/27/2023



Rail News: Passenger Rail

MTA unveils accessibility upgrades at Penn Station


New elevators, including this one at the 7th Avenue and 33rd Street entrance of Penn Station, feature a new emergency two-way communications system friendly to riders with hearing or speech disabilities.
Photo – Marc Hermann/MTA Flickr

advertisement

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority yesterday unveiled station and accessibility upgrades at Penn Station in New York City.

The improvements include a new, fully accessible street entrance and fare control area at 7th Avenue and 33rd Street and modernization of four existing elevators, three of which serve the New York City Transit subway system and one of which serves MTA Long Island Rail Road, MTA officials said in a press release.

The elevators feature a two-way communications system that facilitates emergency communications between rescue workers and passengers who may be deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities, MTA officials said.

The project also included the replacement and repair of platform stairs serving LIRR riders and improvements to station circulation, lighting and wayfinding.

Since 2020, 16 subway stations have been made accessible in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. MTA's 2020-2024 capital plan provides $5.2 billion to make more stations accessible. The transit agency has committed to bringing ADA-compliant accessibility to at least 95% of subway stations by 2055, MTA officials said.