The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has completed 10 accessibility projects in 2025, according to an announcement by Governor Kathy Hochul. The upgrades include seven subway stations and three Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) stations, bringing the total number of accessible subway stations to 154 and LIRR stations to 117.
Governor Hochul stated, “By securing historic investment to upgrade our transit system through congestion pricing and the MTA’s Capital Plan, we are taking our efforts to deliver a fully accessible transit system to the next level. The MTA is already opening newly accessible stations and upgraded elevators at a historic pace, and thanks to record state investment, the best is yet to come for riders.”
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber added, “Let the past year be more proof — the MTA is delivering more accessibility than ever before, both in terms of dollars and number of ADA stations. And with a fully funded Capital Plan and dedicated funding from congestion pricing, we’re not slowing down any time soon.”
The completed station projects are Bay Ridge-95 St (R), Church Av (B, Q), Woodhaven Blvd (J, Z), Northern Blvd (M, R), Westchester Sq-East Tremont Av (6), Mosholu Pkwy (4), Borough Hall (4, 5), St. Albans LIRR, Laurelton LIRR, and Locust Manor LIRR. Crews installed new street and platform elevators, replaced stairs and escalators, built new entrances and curb ramps, updated fare arrays, and improved signage at these locations.
In addition to these upgrades, there were 39 elevator replacements and 32 escalator replacements across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx as well as the LIRR in 2025. This marks a record year for completed elevator replacement projects. On average, elevator replacement work finished two months ahead of schedule. There are currently 29 elevator replacement projects underway throughout New York City boroughs.
Jamie Torres-Springer, President of MTA Construction and Development said: “The MTA’s ability to deliver accessibility projects faster, better and cheaper shows how smart construction strategies can deliver real results for riders while saving millions in the process. By bundling work and partnering with the private sector, these innovative solutions allow us to expand accessibility, modernize stations, and introduce new fare technology that makes traveling easier for everyone.”
Quemuel Arroyo, MTA Chief Accessibility Officer said: “The MTA’s ongoing ADA upgrades and elevator replacements are about creating a more equitable transit system for everyone. These improvements aren’t just life‑changing for riders with mobility needs — they make travel easier for parents with strollers, seniors, and anyone carrying bags or luggage. Every completed project brings us closer to a transit network that truly works for everyone and we’re committed to keeping this momentum going in 2026 and beyond.”
Funding for many of these improvements comes from congestion relief tolling which began on January 5th. This program provides additional revenue used for station accessibility upgrades as part of broader capital improvements. Congestion pricing is expected to generate over $500 million by year-end toward advancing $15 billion in capital projects across the network.
As part of its current capital plan covering 2020-24—funded by congestion relief zone tolling—the MTA plans accessibility upgrades at another 23 subway stations throughout all five boroughs.
Over the last five years the MTA has increased its pace on station accessibility compared with previous decades by grouping similar projects together into large packages using design-build contracts—methods that save money while speeding up completion times.
Another cost-saving initiative is Zoning for Accessibility (ZFA). This program allows developers greater building density if they fund or construct accessibility features at nearby transit locations—and requires them to maintain those features after completion. In April this year Grubb Properties financed an accessible entrance at Queensboro Plaza station under ZFA; it was both constructed by Grubb Properties—which owns adjacent property—and will be maintained by them moving forward.
Looking ahead through its $68 billion Capital Plan for 2025-29 ,the MTA aims to make at least 66 additional subway stations—and six commuter rail stations—eligible for future accessibility upgrades across all boroughs . The plan also includes purchasing over 1,500 new subway cars featuring wider doors , brighter lighting ,and more wheelchair space ,as well as installing new fare gates designed with wide paneled doors .
