The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Monday announced that five Brooklyn subway stations will get accessibility upgrades thanks to funds from congestion pricing.
Congestion pricing is providing $15 billion in funding for the MTA 2020-2024 Capital Plan, including projects to rebuild, improve and expand New York's transit system, officials said. The Neptune Avenue F station, the 18 Avenue N station, the Jefferson Street L station, Nostrand Avenue A/C station, and the Fort Hamilton Parkway D station will all get new elevators.
Additional work throughout the five stations includes platform repairs, improved fare arrays, staircase replacements, and security and safety upgrades.
“Wondering what congestion relief revenues are paying for? Well, here’s another five accessible subway stations to add to the list,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said in a statement. “Drivers are appreciating speedier crossings and reduced congestion since the toll program started, but everyone is glad the air is cleaner, streets are safer, and our mass transit system is getting major upgrades.”
Fort Hamilton Pkwy, 18 Avenue, Jefferson Street and Neptune Avenue were all chosen to improve geographic coverage of accessible stations throughout the system. Each of them fills in a gap of four consecutive inaccessible stations along their respective lines, officials said.
Nostrand Avenue was chosen as a busy express station serving a major commercial area, and the investment in accessibility complements the reopening of the Bedford Avenue entrance at that station, officials said.
“The MTA is improving access for all our customers especially for riders with mobility needs, parents and caregivers with children on strollers, aging adults, and anyone with access needs like bags or luggage,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. “With these five stations we are getting that much closer to delivering a completely accessible transit system for all.”
