RT&S: MTA Announces Scarsdale Station Becomes Second Metro-North Station to Be Made Fully Accessible This Year

NEW YORK ––The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced that the Scarsdale Metro-North Station has been made fully accessible with the opening of a second elevator, in an enclosed tower, that serves the Grand Central-bound platform. As part of the improvement project, the overpass was raised seven inches to provide greater vertical clearance for Metro-North work trains and was enhanced with new customer amenities. 

Other upgrades of the project include: 

• An ADA compliant sidewalk from the newly installed elevator at street level.    
• A new walkway connecting the elevator platform level landing to station platform and overpass.   
• Benches, leaning bars, new LED lighting, and heaters were installed on the overpass. 
• Motorcycle parking was rebuilt at street level, as agreed to in the public outreach period prior to the commencement of the project.  

Last week, the MTA announced completed ADA upgrades at Hartsdale Station, also on the Harlem Line. Purdy’s Station, already accessible with two elevators, is slated to complete its accessibility improvements later this year. Additionally, in the current capital plan, the MTA is moving forward with ADA upgrades at three Metro-North stations located in the Bronx. Completely new station platforms, amenities, and two new elevators will be installed at both Woodlawn and Williams Bridge. Botanical Garden will be rehabilitated, and the station elevators will be upgraded. 

“Today we celebrate the opening of a third Metro-North elevator in the span of a week – along with a package of other upgrades to make Scarsdale fully accessible,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “I am proud of how the MTA is stepping up to expand mass transit – knocking out ADA projects faster than ever before.”

“We are thrilled to announce another station on the Harlem Line is now fully accessible,” said Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi. “Not only was station access improved with a second elevator, but the raised and renovated overpass enhances service reliability and provides an additional waiting area, with benches, heat, and new LED lighting for customers to comfortably wait for their trains, overall enhancing the passenger experience.” 

“Managing projects in multi-station bundles enables the MTA to deliver accessibility improvements at stations like Scarsdale much more efficiently than ever before,” said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. “The project’s additional enhancements such as new benches, lighting, and heaters reflect our strategy of maximizing customer benefits during construction to provide communities with accessible, modern, and comfortable stations.” 

“The MTA is making accessibility improvements at an unprecedented rate so all customers are able use this amazing system,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. “And beyond elevators, we plan to add accessibility features that improve the customer experience. ADA compliance is the floor, and we strive to go above and beyond that as we modernize the system.” 

“I am so very pleased that the new elevator at Scarsdale Train Station is now open,” said State Senator Shelley B. Mayer. “Our public transportation is something to be proud of, as it connects us not only to New York City, but to each other, and it must be accessible to all New Yorkers. This elevator will ensure that the elderly, passengers with mobility devices, and families with young children are able to use the Scarsdale Train Station safely. I commend Governor Hochul and the MTA for their ongoing commitment to keeping our public transportation up-to-date and could not be more excited about this development.”

“It’s wonderful that the installation of the new elevator and ADA upgrades at the Scarsdale Station are now complete!” said New York State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. “These improvements will make many commuters’ everyday lives easier, whether it’s a caregiver with a stroller or a wheelchair user, and help make our public transportation accessible for all. Thank you to the MTA for making this important investment in our community.”

“I commend the MTA for the successful completion of the elevator at the Scarsdale train station, a significant move towards enhancing accessibility for all,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. “This project not only upgrades existing infrastructure but also symbolizes a commitment to expanding access, ensuring that everyone can embark on their journeys seamlessly. Together, we’re building a more inclusive and connected Westchester.”

“This is absolutely more than just an event an elevator, it’s about this station being accessible for everyone,” said Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest. “Thank you so much to the MTA and Metro-North for all the work that went into doing this. It truly was a partnership. I also want to thank Scarsdale village staff who put in a lot of hours to make sure we were helping and assisting in every way that we could.”

Scarsdale is the second busiest Metro-North station in Westchester County, after White Plains, with more than 2,500 daily boardings. 

Read the article here: https://www.rtands.com/passenger/mta-announces-scarsdale-station-becomes-second-metro-north-station-to-be-made-fully-accessible-this-year/