Two Subway Platform ADA Elevators First in Ocean Hill and Brownsville
Leaders of MTA Accessibility and Construction & Development Tour Station with Accessibility Advocate
View Photos of the Elevators
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced that two new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant elevators are in operation at Livonia Av Station. These elevators are the first to be located within the subway system in Ocean Hill and Brownsville in Brooklyn, with East New York residents also benefitting. More ADA elevators are coming to neighborhoods across the five boroughs as the MTA continues to make stations in Brooklyn and Queens accessible with a $5 billion investment in the current 5-year capital program.
Accessibility advocate Debra Greif toured the newly ADA-accessible station with MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo and Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer, who highlighted added features of the project. In addition to the elevators, new features at the station include ADA boarding areas at platform level with stairs and a passageway that all have enhanced lighting. Additionally, the project included a reconfiguration of the ADA farecard access system, as well as reconstruction of parts of the platform to accommodate new stairs to the mezzanine and the upper passageway level.
“The investment in Livonia Av brings focus and understanding that the first mode of travel for many customers every day are our elevators and escalators,” said New York City Transit President Richard Davey. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to inclusive public transit and expanding accessibility throughout the region.”
“These elevators are a major enhancement for Brownsville and East New York riders, and it’s just the start,” said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. “Thoughtful design, careful construction management, and close partnership with the City of New York, local elected officials, and the community enabled us to complete this complex project. We’ll bring the same approach as we connect Livonia to the nearby Junius Street station and make it accessible, too.”
“Elevators make it possible for those traveling with mobility devices, strollers, bicycles, and luggage to get to where they need to go in a dependable fashion,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer and Senior Advisor Quemuel Arroyo. “The MTA heard the voices of the local community advocating for elevators, and we answered that call. Now, more train riders will be able to get to and from the station seamlessly.”
“I am happy to see this capital project completed,” said Assemblymember Latrice Walker. “The Livonia Av station is now fully ADA accessible, which is a lifesaver to so many commuters in Brownsville, East New York and surrounding neighborhoods. I will continue to fight for a public transportation system in New York that is accessible and reliable -- especially to members of our most vulnerable communities.”
"Today, East New York and Brownsville resident finally have better accessibility and transfer connections to two important transit lines," said Assemblymember Nikki Lucas. "I comment MTA-New York City Transit for completion of this important project that will serve as a vital link to the community and provide greater accessibility to a population that has for too long waited for this moment."
“We have a commitment in our borough to advocate for the most accessible, livable communities and amenities,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Congratulations are in order to East New York and Brownsville on their new ADA train station at Livonia Avenue that is helping this community get around more easily. May this serve as a blueprint for other areas of our city when making investments that make our communities stronger and more livable.”
“I love the new elevator because all the families who live in the area now have an accessible option to get on the ,” said Chairperson & Statewide of the Brooklyn Family Support Service Advisory Council Debra Greif. “This makes life a lot easier for parents and individuals with disabilities. Keep up the accessible work at the MTA. I love it!”
“Community Board 16 is elated that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has completed the much needed Livonia Avenue station ADA project,” said Brooklyn Community Board 16 Manager Viola Greene-Walker. “Prior to the elevators, many of our mobility impaired residents, seniors and parents with strollers were unable to access this elevated station.”
New elevators and ADA accessibility improvements are part of a larger project that includes extensive state of good repair improvements at Livonia Av station. This work included structural steel and existing precast platform panels that were repaired and replaced, installation of a new fire sprinkler protection system for the new employee back of house area, and expansion of the dry fire standpipe system.
The nearby Junius Street station will also be made accessible under the 2020-2024 Capital Program and the Junius Street and Livonia Avenue stations will be connected with an accessible free transfer. This work will be included in the innovative Public Private Partnership ADA package announced last December. The Request for Proposals is currently in development and is anticipated to be issued later this year.
Real-time elevator status information is available on the MTA website, and MTA maps on digital screens throughout the system are updated to reflect long-term elevator outages. Additionally, print and digital signs will be posted in stations, along with announcements in stations and on trains. Customer service notifications are also available on the MTA website, the MYmta app and the Authority’s many social media channels. Customers can also sign up for text and email alerts, including on elevator status at www.myMTAalerts.com.