MTA ANNOUNCES MANHATTAN DYCKMAN ST 1 STATION AND BROOKLYN 8 AV N STATION FULLY ACCESSIBLE WITH OPENING OF ELEVATORS

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the opening of a new elevator at Dyckman St  subway station in Inwood, Manhattan and the opening of a new elevator at 8 Av  station in Brooklyn, making both stations fully accessible. The Dyckman elevator was placed into service for customer use on Friday, July 14 and serves the uptown platform, connecting customers to and from the street to the platform. The new 8 Av elevator was placed in service this morning and connects customers between the street and downtown platform. 

Both elevators installed include the latest technology to support customer safety and communications, such as emergency two-way communication system which gives riders the ability to communicate with dispatchers in the event of an emergency via standard voice communications or visually by answering on-screen questions, which improves communication for hearing impaired riders. 

“As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, I am thrilled to add two more stations to the growing list of fully accessible stations: Dyckman St  in Manhattan and 8 Av  in Brooklyn,” said NYC Transit President Richard Davey. “Each new elevator installed in the transit system represents real progress towards a more accessible system, making it easier for customers with mobility devices, luggage, strollers, or bicycles to get around.”

“We’re making progress at an unprecedented pace toward our goal of making public transit accessible for all New Yorkers,” said MTA Construction and Development President Jaime Torres-Springer. “With three newly accessible stations opened this month, the MTA is delivering projects better, faster, and cheaper, and we look forward to future ribbon cuttings at the 31 stations currently in construction.” 

“As a proud Upper Manhattanite who has a disability, I am personally excited about accessibility coming to the Dyckman Street station,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer and Senior Advisor Quemuel Arroyo."Along with 8th Av on the  and Court Sq on the , the station openings this week reflect the MTA's continued investment in accessibility beyond the central business district."

Dyckman  Station ADA Project 
The project included work to construct an expanded mezzanine to incorporate the new elevator and the installation of an upgraded public address system. An elevator to the downtown platform and other accessibility features had been installed as part of a previous project. 

This work was completed as part of a design-build package of eight stations throughout the subway system, the first such bundle undertaken by MTA Construction & Development (C&D) as part of an effort to deliver accessibility upgrades better, faster, and cheaper. The remaining stations from that bundle will open later this year. This project was funded by a grant provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). 

"I commend the MTA for their unwavering commitment to improving services for riders in my district. The announcement of the new ADA elevator at Dyckman St along the  line exemplifies progress and inclusivity,” said State Senator Robert Jackson. “By ensuring accessibility to the Bronx-bound platform and the entire station, they are creating a more connected and accommodating community. This step towards accessibility would have a lasting and positive impact on my constituents, providing them with essential services and easier access. I fully support these efforts and applaud the MTA for their initiative."

“It’s great news for my district that we now have ADA elevator access to the northbound platform at the Dyckman Street  train station," said Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos. "Access to our transportation system is essential, because it connects people to their places of work or worship, or to schools and health centers, and much more. This successful project keeps us on the right track, ensuring New York City's transportation network serves everyone equitably and leaves nobody behind.” 

“Ongoing investment in accessible transportation options decongests our streets, aids the environment, and provides equitable connections across our city,” said Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa. “Our aging and disabled population has steadily increased in the last few years, and it is important that they feel supported as members of our community. Thank you to our advocates for people with disabilities whose work has made this project a reality for our community today. We look forward to continued equitable investment in our transportation infrastructure Uptown.” 


8 Av  Station ADA Project 
In November 2019, an elevator for northbound service was installed along with other station upgrades which included reconfiguration of sections of both platforms in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), installation of a new fire alarm system and upgraded security system. 

The work to add accessibility to the southbound platform was included in the second design-build ADA bundle awarded by MTA C&D, along with 6 new stations and replacements of elevators at 2 more stations. The remainder of those stations will be completed by 2024. This project was also funded thanks to support from the FTA.

Our subway system is a necessary resource for New Yorkers to get to work, school, and connect with every part of the City,” said State Senator Iwen Chu. “For those with strollers, walkers, and mobility issues, the lack of accessibility takes away their ability to utilize public transportation. After years of pushing and organizing for accessibility improvements in southern Brooklyn, I applaud the MTA for its completion of work at the 8th Av  train station. The 8th Av  line is one of the busiest hubs in southern Brooklyn. With an ADA accessible elevator, the community can now access the subway line and get to their destination. I’m excited for southern Brooklyn residents, especially the Sunset Park community, who will benefit from this much-needed improvement.” 

Following today's announcement, there are 31 accessible station projects in construction, with nine of those expected to be complete by the end of 2023. Those stations are:

• 181 St 

• Tremont Av  
• E 149 St 
• Lorimer St 
• Grand St 
• Metropolitan Av 
• 7 Av  
• Beach- 67 St 
• New Dorp SIR

The 2020-2024 MTA Capital Plan includes a historic investment of $5.2 billion to make 67 subway stations ADA accessible, more than any Capital Plan in MTA’s history and more than the last three Capital Plans combined. In addition, the Agency is delivering accessibility projects at an unprecedented pace, completing 20 ADA stations since 2020, double the number of ADA stations completed in the previous six years combined.