The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has officially announced the completion of a significant accessibility project at the Beach 67th Street subway station in Queens. This upgrade marks a major step forward for commuters and residents in the Rockaways, making the station fully accessible to all. The project, focused on enhancing accessibility at the Beach 67th Street station, included the installation of two brand-new elevators, ensuring seamless access from street level to the mezzanine and down to the platform. Alongside the elevators, the station has also benefited from a new staircase and updated ADA-compliant platform edges, further improving the overall station experience for everyone.
These modern elevators are equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, including a new fire alarm system, smoke and heat detectors, and internal cameras to enhance passenger security. Furthermore, each elevator incorporates an emergency two-way communication system. This advanced system allows riders to connect with dispatchers in case of emergencies through both voice communication and an interactive on-screen question-and-answer interface. This visual communication feature is a significant improvement, particularly beneficial for riders with hearing or speech impairments, ensuring clear and effective communication during critical moments.
“Transit is the lifeblood of New York City, and everyone, without exception, should be able to utilize it,” stated MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. He emphasized the broad impact of these improvements, mentioning, “This includes individuals with mobility challenges and disabilities, seniors, parents navigating strollers, and even beachgoers with bulky items like umbrellas and surfboards – especially here in the Rockaways.” Lieber also highlighted the accelerated progress in MTA accessibility projects, noting, “It’s truly encouraging to witness the increasing number of ADA-accessible stations on our map. We’ve completed 24 stations since 2020, doubling the number achieved in the previous six years.”
Jamie Torres-Springer, President of MTA Construction & Development, further elaborated on the efficiency of their project execution. “The newly accessible stations, such as Beach 67th Street, are a direct result of our commitment to delivering projects more effectively, rapidly, and economically through innovative approaches like project bundling,” Torres-Springer explained. He added, “We are currently on schedule to complete this package of eight ADA upgrades, which will significantly improve accessibility not just within the Rockaway Peninsula, but across the entire transit network.”
Quemuel Arroyo, MTA Chief Accessibility Officer, underscored the universal benefits of accessibility enhancements. “Improved accessibility elevates the transit experience for all our customers,” Arroyo remarked. “Whether you are traveling with a stroller, living with a disability, or simply carrying larger items like beach gear, the availability of an elevator, especially one providing direct access from the street to the platform, ensures effortless entry to our exceptional transit system for every rider.”
The ADA upgrades at Beach 67th Street were fully funded through a grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). This project is part of a larger initiative encompassing ADA improvements across eight subway stations. MTA Construction & Development is utilizing innovative contracting methods like design-build and project bundling to ensure these projects are delivered with greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The MTA’s commitment to accessibility is evident in their increased pace of awarding contracts for accessibility projects, which is now five times faster than pre-2020 levels. They awarded contracts for 13 stations in 2020, 10 in 2021, and 13 in 2022, with plans to award contracts for another 16 stations by the end of 2023. Furthermore, accessibility upgrades are also being facilitated by private developers at the 57th Street station in Manhattan and the Queensboro Plaza station in Queens, showcasing a multi-faceted approach to enhancing accessibility across the transit system.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, despite reduced ridership, the MTA prioritized accessibility projects, completing 15 such initiatives. With the completion of Beach 67th Street, the MTA network now boasts 145 accessible stations, with accessibility upgrades underway at 27 additional stations.
The MTA’s 2020-2024 Capital Plan demonstrates a historic $5.2 billion investment in making 67 subway stations ADA accessible. This commitment surpasses any previous capital plan in MTA history and exceeds the combined investment of the last three capital plans. The Authority’s accelerated project delivery has resulted in 24 ADA-accessible stations completed since 2020, doubling the number from the preceding six years.
Senator James Sanders acknowledged the positive development while also emphasizing the need for continued vigilance. “While the opening of the Beach 67th Street elevators is welcome news, we must remember the extended wait and numerous challenges faced by Rockaway residents,” Sanders stated. “We must remain proactive in ensuring the prompt completion of future projects. This achievement at Beach 67th Street underscores the crucial role of public transportation in connecting communities and opportunities, and we must prioritize accessible infrastructure investments throughout the city.”
Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato celebrated the immediate local impact. “This is a momentous occasion for the Rockaway Peninsula residents, particularly in Arverne,” she said. “The elevator installation at Beach 67th Street empowers our community and ensures everyone can access the subway. I commend the MTA for addressing the community’s needs and removing this physical barrier. I am eager to see even more elevators installed in the years ahead.”
NYC Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers recognized the broader implications of this project. “Our public transit system has too often underserved New Yorkers with disabilities,” Brooks-Powers acknowledged. “However, I commend the MTA for their tangible progress in enhancing subway accessibility citywide. The Rockaways have historically faced disproportionately low investment in essential services, including healthcare, education, and transit infrastructure. The MTA is actively addressing these historical inequities with projects like this. These investments guarantee that Rockaway residents have reliable access to public transportation, connecting them beyond the Peninsula.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. highlighted the equity aspect of the upgrades. “All residents, regardless of their abilities, deserve equal access to our transit system and the entire city. Seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with mobility challenges are significantly disadvantaged when their local subway station lacks accessibility. However, for those living near the Beach 67th Street station, accessibility is now a reality,” said Richards Jr. “We thank the MTA for this vital investment in central Rockaway residents and in promoting equity. Making this station fully accessible will have a transformative impact for many within this community.”
