Comptroller Stringer Demands Answers from MTA on Closed Subway Station Entrances
Comptroller pens letter to New York City Transit President Andy Byford and demands that MTA develop and release detailed plans for reopening shuttered access points
As of 2015, New York City Transit reported that 298 street stairs were closed to the public at 119 unique stations
Calls for detailed roadmap for reopening these entryways in the next five years and requests most up-to-date information on closed entrances and exits
(New York, NY) – Today, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer sent a letter to New York City Transit President Andy Byford seeking updated information about the large number of closed subway station entrances across the five boroughs, and demanded that New York City Transit develop and publicly release plans for reopening these crucial access points. Last reported in 2015 by New York City Transit, there were 298 street stairs closed to the public at 119 unique stations. The letter also requested a detailed roadmap for reopening entryways, including which entryways will be reopened in the next five years, what characteristics make certain stations a viable candidate for reopening, and what other roadblocks stand in the way of reopening subway station entrances besides budgetary limitations. Comptroller Stringer’s office requested the updated information by February 15, 2020 and inquired how the City of New York can assist in working together towards a more accessible, functional, and fairer transit system.
“Millions of New Yorkers rely on the subway system every day to commute to work, attend classes, go to job interviews, see a doctor, and take their children to day care. At a time when system failures and overcrowding are already crippling commutes, especially for low-income New Yorkers, the abundance of shuttered subway station entrances across the five boroughs is problematic and unacceptable,” said Comptroller Stringer. “This is not just about reducing commute times, it’s about equity and fairness. We need a roadmap to improve mobility and accessibility for transit riders throughout the five boroughs.”
To read Comptroller Stringer’s letter to New York City Transit President Andy Byford, click here.
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