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Accessible Travel by Subway

Updated May 18, 2022

Options for paying for and entering the subway system

  • Swipe your Reduced-Fare MetroCard at the turnstile.
  • Purchase a Reduced-Fare MetroCard at Station Booth (you must have proper ID).
  • To enter through the service gate, ask the station agent to open the gate.
  • All ADA-accessible stations are equipped with at least one AutoGate. The AutoGate is available to customers who need access, including those who use mobility devices, are traveling with a stroller, or are bringing a large item (such as a bike or a suitcase) into the station. Use any MetroCard other than a Single-Ride paper ticket, or tap with OMNY to enter through the AutoGate.  

Boarding, riding, and leaving trains

Boarding

  • Wait near the center of the platform where the conductor will be able to see you and keep the doors open while you board.
  • Take extra care when crossing gaps between platforms and subway cars.

Riding

  • Position wheelchairs close to either end of the subway car but not blocking the doors.
  • Remember to lock wheelchair brakes.

Exiting

  • If you miss your stop, stay on the train until you reach a station where you can transfer on the same platform and ride back to the station missed.
  • Ask a conductor or train operator if you need assistance.

Other tips

  • Remember to stay behind yellow tactile edge-warning strips on subway platforms.
  • A wheelchair should never be positioned between a station column and the platform edge.

Elevator and escalator status

We work hard to keep elevators and escalators in good repair, but sometimes they may need to be taken out of service for maintenance or repairs.

Learn more about the 511 system.

Station accessibility projects in progress

Making our subway system accessible is a top priority. In 2020, we added 11 newly accessible stations to the subway network – the most in a single year – bringing us to more than 130 accessible stations across the city. In addition, work is currently underway on additional station projects in every borough. 

The Bronx

  • 149 St–Grand Concourse
  • 149 St–Grand Concourse
  • Tremont Av
  • E 149 St 
  • Westchester Square-East Tremont Av 

Brooklyn

  • Metropolitan Av 
  • Lorimer St 
  • 7 Ave 
  • Grand St 
  • 8 Av   (southbound)

Manhattan

  • Dyckman St  (northbound)
  • 181 St   

  • 68 St-Hunter College 

  • 14 St 

  • 14 St 

  • 6 Av 

  • 57 St   (Note: This station is the first project under the recently passed Zoning for Accessibility initiative. Learn more about ZFA.)

Queens

  • Beach 67 St 
  • Woodhaven Blvd 

  • Court Square 

  • Queensboro Plaza 

Staten Island

  • New Dorp (SIR)

 

Selecting Subway Stations for Accessibility Upgrades

In an effort to maximize the benefits of our investments, the MTA makes strategic decisions about which stations to prioritize for accessibility improvements in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and in consultation with riders and advocates.