MTA Issues Request for Proposals Seeking Design-Builder; Proposals Due Sept. 14
Announcement Comes as MTA Celebrates Disability Pride Month
See Project Overview for RFP Here
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for accessibility upgrades, including elevators at five Brooklyn subway stations. The stations were selected to improve geographic coverage of accessible stations throughout the system. The project is being made possible with 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. These five Brooklyn stations join a list of 20 other stations receiving accessibility improvements enabled by congestion pricing funding.
“Wondering what congestion relief revenues are paying for? Well, here’s another five accessible subway stations to add to the list,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “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.”
“The benefits of congestion pricing add up more every day: air quality is improving and traffic is down—all while generating billions of dollars to improve the transit system New Yorkers rely on," said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres Springer. “These accessibility upgrades will be transformative for Brooklyn riders, and they’re exactly the kind of work congestion pricing allows us to deliver better, faster, and cheaper."
“Thousands of Brooklyn riders will have new opportunities to use our system with these accessibility and station improvements,” said New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. “Ensuring every New Yorker has access to safe and reliable transit remains a top priority for NYC Transit.”
“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.”
The full list of stations and elevator additions include:
- Neptune Avstation – one new elevator
- 18 Av station – two new elevators
- Jefferson St station – two new elevators
- Nostrand Av station – three new elevators
- Fort Hamilton Pkwy station – two new elevators
Additional work throughout the five stations includes platform repairs, improved fare arrays, staircase replacements, and security and safety upgrades.
Fort Hamilton Pkwy, 18 Av, Jefferson St and Neptune Av 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. Nostrand Av 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.
Proposals from qualified firms are due on Sept. 14 and the MTA intends to award the design-build contract by the end of the year.
There is a total of 160 fully accessible stations across the MTA, 45 of which have been completed since 2020. Throughout the month of July, the MTA is recognizing Disability Pride Month with events and announcements highlighting the work that's underway to build a transit system that works for everyone.
As part of a long-term commitment to systemwide accessibility, the MTA is investing nearly $7.1 billion in station accessibility in the 2025-2029 Capital Plan, to make 60 stations newly ADA-accessible and modernize an additional 45 subway elevators.
“I strongly support and applaud the MTA’s continued commitment to ADA compliance throughout the NYC transit system,” said Assembly Member Alec Brook-Krasny. “Every New Yorker deserves barrier-free access to our subway system and I am pleased to report that the Neptune Av line station in my district, which is over 100 years old, is on the list for extensive upgrades and elevator installation that will allow everyone to use that station. Thank you, MTA, for moving forward and committing yourself to an inclusive subway system open to everyone regardless of their mobility issues.”
“I am delighted that the MTA is adding two elevators at the line’s 18 Av station,” said Assembly Member William Colton. “This improvement, which is crucial in terms of increasing accessibility at this heavily-used station, will be welcomed by the many people who live nearby – those with disabilities, seniors, parents with children in strollers, and others – whose ability to take the subway has been impacted by the flights of stairs they currently need to climb. The new elevators will truly make life easier for my constituents as well as the many people who come to the area to work, shop, visit family and friends, and go to medical appointments."
"Accessibility isn't optional. For far too long, riders with disabilities, seniors, and parents with strollers have been unable to use the Nostrand Av station like everyone else,” said Assembly Member Souffrant Forrest. “This is a long-overdue step for our community, and I'll continue working to ensure these improvements are delivered without delay for the riders who need them most."
“Reliable and accessible public transit is essential,” said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. “The accessibility upgrades coming to the Jefferson St station are meaningful investments for the neighborhoods and communities I represent, and will make a real difference for seniors, people with disabilities, parents with strollers, and everyone who depends on the subway. I look forward to seeing these improvements become a reality in Bushwick.”