Bronx, New York – After years of persistent advocacy for improved accessibility in subway stations throughout the Northwest Bronx, the MTA has agreed to install elevators and make other improvements to bring the West 242^nd Street - 1 Train subway station into compliance with ADA requirements. The station is included on a preliminary list of 48 stations citywide from the MTA to receive such improvements during the upcoming 2020-2024 MTA Capital Plan. The MTA has said they plan to announce 22 additional stations to bring the total number of stations receiving accessibility improvements to 70.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and Council Member Andrew Cohen had long joined with advocates for accessible transit in demanding immediate and significant improvements to the system’s existing 23% accessibility rate among 472 stations citywide. Over the past several years, the push for accessibility has taken center stage in discussions about the MTA’s capital needs – bolstered by multiple successful lawsuits from disability rights groups who claim that the MTA violated terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and sections of New York State law regarding accessibility.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said: “This announcement from the MTA is incredible news for people all over the Northwest Bronx who rely on our transit system to get around and I applaud their commitment to bring 70 stations citywide into compliance with ADA requirements. It is particularly impactful for people with disabilities, new parents, and others for whom climbing long staircases is an impediment to their free movement throughout the city. As a terminal station on the 1 line, West 242^nd Street is an important access point for the subway for many people who live in the northern section of the Bronx along the Broadway corridor. I look forward to a fully accessible 242^nd Street station within the next five years, and I thank NYCT President Andy Byford and MTA Chair Pat Foye for heeding our calls for accessibility and making this monumental commitment to transit justice for people with disabilities.”

Council Member Andrew Cohen said: “I’m glad the MTA is fulfilling their commitment to ensure that our public transit system is compliant with the ADA. The 242^nd St. station serves thousands of riders each day and it is important that it is accessible to all. I would like to thank all those who worked diligently to see this happen, and a special thank you to NYCT President Andy Byford and MTA Chair Pat Foye for their leadership.”