The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has completed 10 accessibility projects in 2025, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The upgrades include seven subway stations and three Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) stations. With these additions, the total number of accessible subway stations is now 154, while the LIRR has 117 accessible stations.
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. Upgrades included new elevators on streets and platforms, replacement of stairs and escalators, new entrances and curb ramps, updated fare arrays, and improved signage.
In addition to these projects, there were 39 elevator replacements and 32 escalator replacements across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx as well as on the LIRR in 2025. This marked a record year for elevator replacement completions. On average, elevator replacement projects finished two months ahead of schedule. Currently there are 29 ongoing elevator replacement projects in various 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 commented: “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.”
The congestion relief tolling program began on January 5th as an additional source of revenue supporting improvement projects such as making more stations ADA accessible. Congestion pricing is expected to generate over $500 million by year-end which will help fund $15 billion in capital improvements throughout the network.
As part of its current capital plan covering years 2020-24 funded by congestion relief zone tolling revenues—23 subway stations across all five boroughs are scheduled for accessibility upgrades.
Over recent years—specifically within five years—the MTA has increased its output of station accessibility projects compared with previous decades by grouping similar tasks into larger contracts using design-build methods that reduce costs while speeding up completion times.
Innovative approaches like Zoning for Accessibility allow developers increased building density if they finance or construct transit accessibility features; developers also maintain these features after construction ends.
A notable example was realized at Queensboro Plaza where Grubb Properties financed construction of an accessible entrance under this program; Grubb Properties remains responsible for maintaining it.
Looking forward through its $68 billion capital plan running from 2025-29—the MTA plans upgrades at least 66 city subway/railroad stations plus six commuter rail locations aiming toward making nearly all facilities accessible by mid-century. The plan also includes procurement of over 1500 new subway cars featuring improved access elements along with hundreds more commuter railcars equipped similarly.
