U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand announced on Friday, Dec. 23, that over $256 million in federal funding was secured to upgrade the New York City Subway and Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) systems, improving accessibility to meet or exceed new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) construction standards.

 

Representatives for the Democratic senators said the two grants will provide more than a quarter of a billion dollars for accessibility improvements through the Federal Transit Administration’s All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP), created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed last year and supported by both Schumer and Gillibrand. Representatives for the senators said the MTA will receive $254.5 million in funding and the Port Authority will receive $1.6 million for enhancements to ensure the systems are accessible to people with disabilities.

 

In the context of the announcement, Gillibrand said upgrading New York City’s infrastructure had been a key focus of hers. “These funds will improve New Yorkers’ quality of life and provide greater public transportation access for all,” the senator said. “Our public transportation system is the backbone of New York City, and all New Yorkers, no matter their age, ability, or attributes, deserve an accessible, inclusive transportation network.”

 

She added, “I’m proud to have worked to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is providing these critical grants and continues to pay dividends for our state.”

 

Meanwhile, for his part, Schumer said he was proud to support and deliver what was described as critical funding that was key to modernizing the subway and PATH systems to make them more accessible to the riding public, including New Yorkers with a disability who he said had long suffered from poor access to the region’s mass transit system.

 

“I worked hard to secure funds in the bipartisan infrastructure bill for the All Stations Accessibility Program so New York transit agencies can take on more projects to help keep New Yorkers moving and keep our economy going strong,” Schumer said. “These much-needed accessibility upgrades will drive the local economy forward, create opportunities for good paying jobs, and increase access to critical services.”

 

Representatives for the two senators said the $254.5 million the MTA is receiving from the ASAP program would address repairs needed at stations throughout the city, while the Port Authority will receive $1.6 million to upgrade wheelchair accessibility.

 

As reported, the installation of a long-awaited elevator at Mosholu Parkway subway station, which serves the 4 line and is located in close proximity to two Bronx hospitals, Montefiore Medical Center and NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx, is gaining traction according to the MTA.