NYC’s ‘Everest’ Subway Station to Finally Receive Elevators in Landmark Accessibility Upgrade
BROOKLYN, NY – In a victory decades in the making, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced today that the Smith-9th Street subway station in Brooklyn – famed (and feared) for its towering height and challenging climb – will be made accessible with the installation of elevators. This breaking news represents a monumental step forward for transit equity in New York City, promising to ease commutes for thousands of daily riders.
A Stairway to…Accessibility?
For years, passengers navigating the F and G lines to Gowanus have faced a daunting ascent. The Smith-9th Street station, standing nearly 90 feet above street level, has become synonymous with a strenuous climb – a significant barrier for individuals with mobility issues, parents with strollers, travelers with luggage, and frankly, anyone simply having a tiring day. The station’s inaccessibility has been a long-standing source of frustration and a focal point for accessibility advocates.
“Every day, New Yorkers climb the stairs of this station as if they were climbing Everest,” stated Senator Andrew Gounardes, a key champion of the project. “With the arrival of the elevators, this situation will finally change. The subway belongs to all New Yorkers.” Deputy Jo Anne Simon echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that this win is the result of decades of persistent effort and a crucial step towards equitable transportation.
Part of a Larger MTA Accessibility Push
The Smith-9th Street upgrade is part of the MTA’s ambitious 2025-2029 capital investment plan, which allocates funding to add elevators to over 60 subway stations citywide. Other Brooklyn stations slated for accessibility improvements include Court Street, Hoy-Schemerhorn, and 4th Ave-9th Street. The MTA projects that these improvements will bring the overall accessibility of the New York City subway system to over 50%, benefiting nearly 70% of Transit users.
Did you know? The NYC subway system, while extensive, historically lags behind other major cities in accessibility. According to the MTA’s own data, only around 27% of stations are currently ADA-compliant. This upgrade is a critical move towards rectifying that disparity.
More Than Just Elevators: A Neighborhood Transformed
The impact of this upgrade extends far beyond convenience. For residents of the Red Hook NYCHA housing complex, Smith-9th Street is the closest subway access point. Without elevators, a simple commute becomes a significant daily struggle. Local leaders and residents are celebrating the news as a long-awaited lifeline.
Quemuel Arroyo, Head of Accessibility at the MTA, highlighted the broader implications: “Brooklyn is getting 36 new ADA stations, and Smith-9th Street is only the beginning.” The project is being funded, in part, by congestion pricing revenue, demonstrating a direct link between innovative funding mechanisms and tangible improvements to the city’s infrastructure.
Evergreen Tip: Planning a trip on the NYC subway? The MTA Trip Planner and apps like Citymapper can help you identify accessible routes and stations, ensuring a smoother and more inclusive travel experience.
With momentum building and funding secured, the accessibility revolution is gaining speed across Brooklyn and the entire New York City subway system. This isn’t just about adding elevators; it’s about building a more inclusive and equitable city for all its residents, one station at a time. Stay tuned to Archyde for continued coverage of this developing story and the latest updates on NYC transit improvements.
