PHOTOS: MTA Announces Modernized Elevators and Escalators Put in Service Across 11 Subway Lines

Escalators and Elevators in Manhattan and Brooklyn Replaced on Budget in Time for Spring Outings

See Photos and Video of the Elevators and Escalators

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced riders with strollers, bags, and mobility issues have improved access spanning 11 lines across two boroughs where upgraded elevators and escalators were put into service. Regular replacements are crucial to keep the system running effectively and efficiently resulting in less repairs and fewer disruptions needed later.  

At the 14 St-Union Sq station, crews replaced a street to mezzanine elevator serving the       lines in both directions. One street-to-mezzanine elevators and two mezzanine to platform elevators were put into service at the DeKalb Av     station. One escalator was replaced at the 145 St      station serving the mezzanine to    platform, and three mezzanine and platforms escalators were put into service at the Lexington Av-63 St     station. 

“MTA’s accessibility agenda involves more than just building brand new,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “It’s equally important to replace older, existing elevators before they break down and leave customers stranded, and thanks to Governor Hochul we now have the money to do that.” 

"After a record-breaking year for elevator replacements in 2025, the MTA isn’t slowing down,” said MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. “We're modernizing elevators and escalators across the system better, faster, and cheaper so riders can count on a more accessible and reliable trip every day.” 

“These elevators and escalators are back just in time for our riders to enjoy all the city has to offer in the spring and summer,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. “By scheduling replacement outages we can keep customers informed of the work ahead of time and avoid unplanned inconveniences.”  

"I have long fought to make the New York City subway system fully accessible to every rider — whether they have a disability, are a senior, or are navigating the city with a stroller,” said Representative Jerry Nadler. “Today's completion of upgraded elevators and escalators at 14 St-Union Sq and Lexington Av-63 St — both in my congressional district — is exactly the kind of proactive investment our system needs. By replacing aging equipment before it fails, the MTA is delivering on its promise of a more reliable and inclusive transit system for all New Yorkers. I commend the MTA for keeping this work on budget and ahead of schedule, and I thank Governor Hochul and Chair and CEO Janno Lieber for their leadership — I look forward to continuing to advocate for the federal resources needed to keep this momentum going." 

"I am happy to see the MTA has repaired and upgraded elevators at these stations," said State Senator Liz Krueger. "Every station that is reliably ADA accessible makes life significantly easier for the many New Yorkers who rely on that stop to get to work, to do their grocery shopping, and to spend hard-earned free time with friends and family. These improvements will help disabled and older New Yorkers and families with young children in strollers to use our vital subway system.  Reliable accessibility at these stops is another step toward system-wide ADA compliance for public transit, which is an essential part of keeping our city a thriving, just, and affordable place to live for all New Yorkers."

"Reliable elevators make a meaningful difference for riders navigating busy stations like DeKalb Avenue,” said Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon. “These upgrades help ensure that people with disabilities, as well as those with strollers, bags, or other mobility challenges, can move safely and efficiently through the station. Thank you to the MTA for investing in this critical infrastructure and making our transit system more accessible and dependable for everyone.”  

“Access to our transit system should not depend on whether an elevator or escalator is working that day," said Council Member Virginia Maloney. "These upgrades will make New York City easier to navigate and more accessible for everyone, whether you’re a parent with a stroller, a senior, or a New Yorker with a disability. By investing in reliable infrastructure upgrades, the MTA is taking an important step toward a system riders can continue to count on.”

“For Manhattanites, a reliable subway system is essential to how we live our lives,” said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. “These upgrades at some of our busiest stations will make a real difference for riders with disabilities, parents with strollers, and anyone navigating a fast-paced day. I’m grateful to Chair Lieber and the MTA team for prioritizing the replacement of aging elevators and escalators before they fail, and for their continued commitment to making our transit system more accessible and dependable for everyone.” 

“Every New Yorker should be able to navigate our transit system with ease and comfort,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. "The three newly replaced elevators at the DeKalb Avenue BQR station will deliver more reliable elevator service, allowing thousands more of our neighbors to move through their days with dignity. I’m grateful to the MTA for prioritizing equity and working diligently to deliver a transit system that's accessible to all." 

“Reliable, well-maintained elevators and escalators are essential to making New York City’s transit system work for everyone, including New Yorkers with disabilities,” said NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities Commissioner Nisha Agarwal. “These upgrades reflect the importance of not only expanding accessibility but also maintaining it so riders can travel with confidence every day. We look forward to continued partnership with the MTA to ensure accessibility remains a core part of systemwide improvements.” 

“Riders can look forward to upgraded elevators and escalators at four critical stations,” said Associate Director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC) Brian Fritsch. "Keeping the transit system in a state of good repair is essential to ensuring that riders today and tomorrow can get where they need to go-- regardless of whether they have disabilities, mobility challenges, or strollers-- which the MTA is doing faster than ever.” 

“Accessible elevators and escalators are critical for New Yorkers with disabilities,” said Harlem Independent Living Center Inc. Executive Director Yaw Appiadu. “HILC commends the MTA for its recent upgrades and looks forward to continued collaboration to support effective accessibility across the transit system.”  

Work required for elevator replacements included: