Accessibility Upgrades Provide Safer and More Reliable Elevator Service
See Photos of the Elevators
As the red-hot Yankees come home for their opener at Yankee Stadium, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is ready to welcome fans with the opening of three modernized elevators serving street to mezzanine and mezzanine to platform at the 161 St-Yankee Stadium subway station as part of larger accessibility and safety upgrades. Regular replacements are crucial to keep the system running effectively and efficiently resulting in less repairs and fewer disruptions needed later.
"In 2025, we doubled the MTA's previous record for elevator replacements, and we're on track for another great year in 2026," said MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. "These modernized elevators are a major improvement for Yankee fans and Bronx riders, making it easier and more convenient to take the train to the game this season."
“Making our transit system accessible so all riders can access school, work, and all the city has to offer – including cheering on their favorite team – is one of our top priorities,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. “Proactively removing elevators from service for replacement, like what we did at 161 St-Yankee Stadium, helps avoid unplanned outages and keeps riders moving.”
Work involved in the elevator replacement included:
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Full replacement of elevator cab and associated equipment within the cab, shaft, and pit, along with new replaced elevator head house glass and canopy at street level.
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Modifications to the shaft and pit needed to accommodate new equipment. Equipment updates ensure the elevator ride is smoother and the elevator is more reliable in the future.
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Replacement and modernization of all elevator machine room, electrical and mechanical equipment for better and more reliable service.
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Upgrades to the remote monitoring equipment, fire alarm system, intercom system and cameras to enhance security and allow crews to respond more quickly and precisely if an elevator goes out of service.
Two modernized elevators at the 161 St-Yankee Stadium station are expected to reopen in the coming weeks. The MTA currently has elevator replacement projects in progress in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan. Details can be found here.