Bridging the Gap: It May Be Further Than You Think!

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NYCTRC

Bridging the Gap: It May Be Further than You Think!

Ellyn Shannon and Bradley Brashears New York City Transit Riders Council 347 Madison Avenue NYCTRC

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ...... 1 METHODOLOGY ...... 1 FINDINGS ...... 3 A Division ...... 4 B Division ...... 6 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 8 A and B Division Platform by Line Detail Guide ...... 12 A Division Platform Detail ...... 16 B Division Platforms Detail ...... 32

Appendix Appendix A: Raised Platforms and Boarding Area Description ...... 72 Appendix B: Description of Vertical and Horizontal Gaps, Code of Federal Regulations, and Section 504(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ...... 74 Appendix C: Subway Stations Surveyed ...... 77 Appendix D: Survey Forms ...... 80 Appendix E: On-The-Go Travel Stations, Help Points, and Wheelchair User Travel Training 82

INTRODUCTION

In 2008, the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, (PCAC) released Welcome Aboard: Accessibility at the MTA. This report identifies accessibility issues of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), Metro-North Railroad (MNR) and New York City Transit (NYCT) that were identified in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This report also identified several platform-related concerns, which led the New York City Transit Riders Council (NYCTRC) to further investigate the compliance of NYC Transit’s accessible station platforms with federal regulations pursuant to the ADA. The goal of the analysis presented below is to determine in practice how accessible New York City Transit’s accessible subway stations are for wheelchair users. In this report we assess four issues that undermine the efforts of wheelchair users to successfully use New York City’s subways:

 Train to platform vertical gaps in boarding areas that exceed federal standards.  The alignment of raised platforms along subway lines.  The inability of wheelchair users to board and exit from the same door of a subway car because of physical obstacles on the platform such as columns or stairways.  The lack of clearly defined wheelchair boarding areas.

The Council hopes that by highlighting these issues and recommending solutions, it will improve the accessibility of the subway system and instill confidence in wheelchair users that the subway system is a safe and efficient way to travel.

METHODOLOGY

Field surveys were conducted in 91 stations that NYC Transit identifies as accessible1 between August 2012 and March 2013. For each platform, surveyors collected information including station name, direction of travel, lines operating on the track, and detailed documentation of platform boarding areas and boarding area characteristics. Raised areas on the platforms were also identified, and surveyors determined where they began and ended in relation to specific train cars and doors.2

Incline of raised platform at Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike station

Incline of

1 Due to damage by Super storm Sandy, South Ferry, Far Rockaway-Mott Avenue and Rockaway Park Beach- 116th Street stations were excluded from the survey. See Appendix C for complete list of stations surveyed. 2 See Appendix A for full description of raised platforms and MTA website information on how to use recommended boarding areas.

The vertical gaps between the platform and subway door thresholds were measured using a ruler with a 3” bar marked on it. A 3” maximum threshold was chosen to account for variations in train loads, so that any vertical gap measured at or above 3” would be identified as a significant problem. ADA regulations (49 CFR 38.53) require:

“Retrofitted vehicles shall be coordinated with the platform in new and key stations such that the horizontal gap shall be no greater 6” than 4 inches and the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger load, shall be within plus or minus 2 inches of the platform 3” height.3”

Large vertical gap at 50th Street, southbound C Line

Additional information collected included whether or not the train conductor’s window was within the raised platform area, the best cars and doors for boarding with notations of blocked doorways, and the nature and location of signage indicating wheelchair boarding areas. This information was recorded on a survey form, a copy of which can be found in Appendix D. The surveyor collected observations from one train per line on each track.

In order to develop a clear understanding of the history and issues concerning wheelchair accessibility at designated stations, interviews were conducted with NYCTRC member Edith Prentiss (a wheelchair user), NYC wheelchair users, members of the NYCT’s Office of ADA Compliance, and with the ADA Team leader at the FTA Office of Civil Rights in Washington D.C. Staircase blocking accessible nd door at 72 St., southbound 1 In addition, research was conducted to gather background informationtrain pertaining to the accessibility of the NYC Transit subway system, MTA website information, and federal regulations.

3 See Appendix B for full description of federal regulations pertaining to vertical gap requirements

FINDINGS

“Wait for the train near the center of the platform, where the car with the conductor normally stops. The conductor will be able to see you more easily and keep the doors open while you board. There are boarding area signs at all accessible stations. This boarding area is specifically modified to accommodate the transfer of wheelchairs between train and platform.”

Instructions for Wheelchair Users on the MTA Website

While NYC Transit has made progress enhancing the accessibility of its stations, the NYCTRC’s findings indicate there is more that needs to be done. The NYCTRC found 20 excessive vertical gaps in the ADA boarding areas of stations. Due to variations in train car sizes and door location, the Council recognizes that not all gaps may have been identified in the survey. These excessive gaps of three inches or more have led wheelchair users to find that the wheelchair boarding areas are not consistently reliable enough to use as a primary boarding choice. Many wheelchair users have instead chosen to use the raised platforms in stations that best align with the threshold of the train. While this is a reliable boarding strategy, it can present exit problems due to raised platforms not aligning on a given line. For this reason, we have assembled visual diagrams in this report to assist wheelchair users in seeing where these raised platforms align, and where they do not.

Our observations highlight inconsistencies in platform-to-train vertical gaps and poor alignment of raised platforms along specific lines. These problems can result in a wheelchair user not being able to board the subway, or after having boarded the subway, not being able to exit, due to a large vertical gap at or an obstacle where the doors open. The surveyors also found that the perimeters of the boarding areas were not clearly marked, which makes them extremely difficult to identify.

An added complexity in dealing with these issues is that some platforms serve two to three lines, frequently utilizing different car types with different door spacing. While most boarding areas are located near the conductor’s window, some places such as the inbound M,R platform at the Jackson Heights - Roosevelt Avenue station may have distances as much as a train car away from the conductor.

Overview of Findings

 Twenty platforms with 3” or greater vertical gaps, impact 13 lines. o A Division stations have 2 platforms with 3” or greater vertical gaps, that impact 4 lines. o B Division stations have 18 platforms with 3” or greater vertical gaps that impact 9 lines.  Seven doors in accessible waiting areas blocked by columns or stairwells.

o A Division stations have 6 doors blocked by columns or stairwells. o B Division stations have 1 door blocked by columns or stairwells.

 No vertical gap issues in either A or B Division accessible stations when raised platforms were located in the boarding areas.  No boarding area had clearly marked boundaries with the exception of the 14th Street-8th Avenue (A, C , E) station.  Raised platforms on the C, D, E, F, M, N, Q and R lines are not always aligned to ensure wheelchair users the ability to enter and exit a train.

A Division Vertical Gap Issues # of Accessible Platforms and # with 3" or Greater Vertical Gaps in Boarding Areas

32 28

18 18 16 14 12

1 1 1 1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 # platforms with excessive gaps # Accessible platforms (ie: Northbound and Southbound)

 The 2, 3, 4 and 5 subway lines are all affected by the Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center 3” gap and the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall 4” gap.

Gap North/Eastbound Platforms Line Size Atlantic Ave-Barclays Ctr* 2,3 3" Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall* 4,5 4" Gap North/Eastbound Platforms Line Size Atlantic Ave-Barclays Ctr* 2,3 3" Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall* 4,5 4"

* Key Stations

Raised Platform Alignment

% Accessible Stations with Raised Platforms Consistently Aligning in Boarding Areas 120% 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 1 2 3 4 5 Northbound Southbound

 All A Division raised platforms aligned in boarding areas.  Car 5, door 3 and car 6, door 1 consistently aligns at each station with raised platforms on all lines. * The 7 line has one station with a raised platform. The 6 line has no raised platforms.

Identified Blocked Subway Doors in Accessible Boarding Areas

Northbound 1 Line  231st Street Pole in front of car 5, door 3  59th St. Columbus Circle Pole in front of car 5, door 3  42nd Times Square Pole in front of car 6, door 1

Southbound 2, 3 Lines  135th Street Pole in front of car 5, door 3  72nd Street Stairwell blocking car 4, door 4

Southbound 6 Line  Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall Stairwell blocking car 6, door 1

B Division

Vertical Gap Issues # of Accessible Platforms and # with 3" or Greater Vertical Gaps in Boarding Areas

25 26 24 22 21 22 20 17 18

8 11 6 8 6 4 4 2 3 2 2 4 1 2 1

A B C D E F G J L M N Q R S Z

# Accessible platforms (ie: Northbound and Southbound) # platforms with excessive gaps

 The best lines for wheelchair users with no excessive vertical gaps in boarding areas were the D, G, L, M, N, Q, and S(Franklin).  The A, B, C, E, F, J, R and Z lines had between 1-4 platforms with excessive gaps.  The J and Z lines had the greatest percentage of platforms with gaps, at 50% and 67% respectively and 4 platforms with gaps, due to the platform gaps at Sutphin Blvd and Jamaica Center Stations.

Accessible Platforms with 3” or Greater Vertical Gaps in Boarding Areas

Gap Gap South/Westbound Platforms Line North/Eastbound Platforms Line Size Size Atlantic Ave-Barclays Ctr* R 3" Atlantic Ave-Barclays Ctr* R 4" Dekalb Ave* B 3" Dekalb Ave.* Q 3" Dekalb Ave* R 3.5" Dekalb Ave.* R 3" Jamaica Ctr- Jamaica Ctr- J,Z 3" J,Z 3" Parsons/Archer Ave. Parsons/Archer Ave. Sutphin Blvd-Archer Ave. J,Z 3" Jamaica Van Wyck E 3" 14th St.-8th Ave.* C 3.5" Sutphin Blvd-Archer Ave. J,Z 3" 21st St.-Queensbridge F 3" 21st Street-Queensbridge F 3" 50th St. E 3.75" 34th St.-Penn Station* A 3.5" 50th St. C 6" 59th St-Columbus Circle* B,C 3" * Key Stations

Eighteen B Division platforms have gaps 3”or greater in the boarding areas. Those platforms serve 11 south/westbound lines and 12 north/eastbound lines.

Raised Platform Alignment The NYCTRC recognizes and appreciates the fact that for many years NYCT used multiple types of cars on a given line. However, today, the variation among doors on the different cars has been reduced substantially. Currently the issue arises most frequently on the older R32 cars used on the C line.

% Accessible Stations with Raised Platforms Consistently Aligning in Boarding Areas 120% 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% A B C D E F J L M N Q R Total Northbound % Southbound % Avg

 All raised platforms on the A, B, J and L line stations aligned in all boarding areas.  The M alignment was most problematic with the raised platforms aligning only 63% northbound and 67% southbound. This is due to the rerouting of the M in 2010. * The G, S (Franklin) and Z lines only have one raised platform in each direction, therefore alignment is not an issue.

Blocked Subway Doors Southbound E Train  World Trade Center, pole in front of car 5, door 4

RECOMMENDATIONS

Vertical Gap Issues  The following platforms need to be raised in the current boarding areas to meet with the regulatory standard: A Division Gap North/Eastbound Platforms Line Size Atlantic Ave-Barclays Ctr* 2,3 3" Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall* 4,5 4" Gap North/Eastbound Platforms Line Size Atlantic Ave-Barclays Ctr* 2,3 3" Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall* 4,5 4"

B Division

Gap Gap South/Westbound Platforms Line North/Eastbound Platforms Line Size Size Atlantic Ave-Barclays Ctr* R 3" Atlantic Ave-Barclays Ctr* R 4" Dekalb Ave* B 3" Dekalb Ave.* Q 3" Dekalb Ave* R 3.5" Dekalb Ave.* R 3" Jamaica Center- Jamaica Center- J,Z 3" J,Z 3" Parsons/Archer Ave. Parsons/Archer Ave. Sutphin Blvd-Archer Ave. J,Z 3" Jamaica Van Wyck E 3" 14th St.-8th Ave.* C 3.5" Sutphin Blvd-Archer Ave. J,Z 3" 21st Street-Queensbridge F 3" 21st St.-Queensbridge F 3" 50th St. E 3.75" 34th St.-Penn Station* A 3.5" 50th St. C 6" 59th St-Columbus Circle* B,C 3" * Key Stations

Raised Platform Alignment  Raised platforms on 8 lines the C, D, E, F M, N, Q and R need to be aligned to guarantee wheelchair users the ability to enter and exit a train.

Blocked Subway Doors  Train operators need clear stopping markers for the type of cars they are driving to assure that doors align properly with designated boarding areas.

Two Raised Platforms when Needed  The placement of 2 raised platforms with signs designating the line each one represents for stations such as the 8th Avenue 14th Street, where the C and E lines share a platform, because alignment for boarding areas along the C line is at car 4, door 3 and car 4, door 4, whereas the best boarding area alignment for the E line is car 5, door 4 and car 6, door 1.

Proximity of Conductor to Boarding Areas  Place boarding area signage on or adjacent to the striped conductor boards to clearly inform all riders where the conductors will stop on the platform.

Boarding Area Boundaries  Paint platform boundary lines to designate the perimeter of the boarding areas, demonstrated in the photo simulated images below.

*Identifiable boarding area boundaries with contrasting blue color and accessible symbols indicating location of accessible doors

Communication  Install Help Points in all accessible stations.  Install On-The-Go Kiosks in all accessible stations to display important wheelchair accessibility information.4

4 See Appendix E for recommendations on wheelchair accessible information to be included at kiosks, as well as information on Help Points and Wheelchair Travel Training.

A and B Division Platform by Line Detailed Guide

The content on the following pages is meant to provide the reader with a more in-depth and visual understanding of each line’s issues. Most lines are characterized in two pages, however, the 1, C, F, M, Q and R lines were focused on in greater depth as case studies which are contained on the third page.

Page 1

 Displays the number of stations and accessible stations on the line.  The line map displays the accessible stations on the line, and identifies stations with raised platforms and platforms with excessive vertical gaps.  The Station Observations include problems identified by surveyors and the door that aligns most consistently with the line’s raised platforms.

Page 2

 The charts display stations with raised platforms in each direction identifying: o Which car and door aligns with the raised platforms at each station. o Which car and door most consistently align with the raised platforms on the line, and is visualized by the use of darker shading.  A percentage is given regarding the frequency with which a particular car and door aligns with the raised platforms along the line.  Excessive vertical gaps on the lines are identified.

Page 3 The NYCTRC did not have the capacity to go into depth for every line, however the 1, C, F, M, Q and R lines provide the complexity the council sought to more fully understand the issues NYC Transit must work with. The focus of these case studies is to identify the best solutions for enabling wheelchair users to successfully board and exit utilizing a specific door reliably for the entire journey.

 Charts include all accessible stations on each line, displaying identified problems which may prevent successful boarding and exiting at the door identified as best for wheelchair users.  A table displays the station names, with identified problems and possible solutions to correct the problems.  The list of recommendations categorizes the type of problems inherent in a given line, and lists the stations with those problems underneath it.

A Division Platform Detail

35 Stations, 8 Accessible Stations * Station Observations 42nd St.-Times Square

North and southbound: raised platform cannot be distinguished.

Northbound: pole obstruction at car 6, door 1.

59th St.-Columbus Circle

Southbound: raised platform cannot be distinguished.

Southbound: Columns block accessible doors.

231st St.

Northbound: pole obstruction at car 5, door 3.

Best Door for Boarding and Exiting

North and southbound stations with raised platforms: 100% boarding and exiting at car 5, door 3 and car 6, door 1. (*If the train does not align at 231st Street a pole can obstruct the accessible door.

Accessible Stations Excluded from the Survey

The new South Ferry station is closed due to damage by super storm Sandy, and not included in this study. 31st Street

. The

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

North/Eastbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 5-3 6-1 231st St. 72nd St. 59th St.-Columbus Circle 42nd St.-Times Square Chambers St.

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding/exiting at 5-3 and 6-1 at northbound stations with raised platforms

South/Westbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 5-3 6-1 59th St.-Columbus Circle 42nd St.-Times Square Chambers St.

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding and exiting at 5-3 and 6-1 at southbound stations with raised platforms

Line Case Study: All northbound accessible stations Wheelchair access at the most prevalent accessible door and location of conductor

Car-Door Alignment and Identified Problems Stations 6-1 231st St. 96th St. 72nd St. 66th St.-Lincoln Ctr. 59th St.-Columbus Circle 42nd St.-Times Square 34th St.-Penn Station Chambers St.

Identified Access Problem No Identified Access Problem

Percentages at 6-1:

*6-1 within raised platforms 100% *6-1 near boarding area signage 100% *6-1 has 0% vertical gap issues

61 Stations, 16 Accessible Stations Station Observations

Atlantic Ave. –Barclays Ctr. Northbound: 3” vertical gap.

72nd St. Southbound: stair obstruction at car 4, door 4.

135th St. Southbound: pole obstruction at car 5, door 3.

Best Door for Boarding and Exiting

North/southbound stations with raised platforms: 100% boarding/exiting at car 5, door3 and car 6, door 1. ntic Avenue-Barclays Center

Northbound, the vertical gap is above 2.5 inches

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

North/Eastbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 5-3 6-1 135th St. 42nd St.-Times Square Chambers St.

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding/exiting at 5-3 and 6-1 at northbound stations with raised platforms

2 Line Vertical Gap Issues *Atlantic Ave.-Barclays Ctr., northbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 3” vertical gap at 5-4

South/Westbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 5-3 6-1 135th St. 42nd St.-Times Square Chambers St.

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding/exiting at 5-3 and 6-1 at southbound stations with raised platforms

34 Stations, 9 Accessible Stations Station Observations

Atlantic Ave.-Barclays Ctr.

Northbound : 3” vertical gap.

th 135 St.

Southbound: pole obstruction at car 5, door 3.

72nd St.

Southbound: stair obstruction at car 4, door 4.

Best Door for Boarding and Exiting

North/southbound stations with raised platforms: 100% boarding/exiting at car 5, door 3 and car 6, door 1.

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

North/Eastbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 5-3 6-1 135th St. 42nd St.-Times Square Chambers St.

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding/exiting at 5-3 and 6-1 at northbound stations with raised platforms

3 Line Vertical Gap Issues *Atlantic Ave.-Barclays Ctr., northbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 3” vertical gap at 5-4

South/Westbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 5-3 6-1 135th St. 42nd St.-Times Square Chambers St.

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding/exiting at 5-3 and 6-1 at southbound stations with raised platforms

54 Stations, 10 Northbound and 9 Southbound Accessible Stations Station Observations

Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall

Northbound: 4” vertical gap in recommended boarding area.

Best Door for Boarding and Exiting

North/southbound stations with raised platforms: 100% boarding/exiting at car 5, door 3 and car 6, door 1.

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

North/Eastbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 5-3 6-1 Fordham Rd. Bowling Green

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding/exiting at 5-3 and 6-1 at northbound stations with raised platforms

4 Line Vertical Gap Issues *Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall, northbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 4” vertical gap at 6-2

South/Westbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 5-3 6-1 Fordham Rd. Fulton St. Bowling Green

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding/exiting at 5-3 and 6-1 at southbound stations with raised platforms

45 Stations, 15 Northbound and 14 Southbound Accessible Stations Station Observations

Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall

Northbound: 4” vertical gap in recommended boarding area.

Best Door for Boarding and Exiting

North/southbound stations with raised platforms: 100% boarding/exiting at car 5, door 3 and car 6, door 1.

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

North/Eastbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 5-3 6-1 Bowling Green

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding/exiting at 5-3 and 6-1 at northbound stations with raised platforms

5 Line Vertical Gap Issues *Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall, northbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 4” vertical gap at 6-2

South/Westbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 5-3 6-1 Fulton St. Bowling Green

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding/exiting at 5-3 and 6-1 at southbound stations with raised platforms

38 Stations, 7 Accessible Stations Station Observations

Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall

Southbound: stair obstruction at car 6, door 1

Best Door for Boarding and Exiting

North/southbound stations with raised platforms: 100% boarding/exiting at car 5, door 3 and car 6, door 1

*The 6 Line does not have raised platforms, therefore, accessible doors could not be determined

*There are no large vertical gap issues on the 6 Line

21 Stations, 6 Accessible Stations Station Observations

th 74 St.-Broadway

Both directions: the raised platform is difficult to distinguish.

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

Westbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 4-3 5-1 5-2 5-3 6-1 74th St.-Broadway

Eastbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 5-3 6-1 6-2 6-3 7-1 7-2 74th St.-Broadway

B Division Platforms Detail

53 Stations, 12 Accessible Stations* Station Observations 125th St.

Northbound: left platform, the raised platform is not distinguishable.

34th St.-Penn Station

Northbound: 3.5” vertical gap.

Best Door for Boarding and Exiting

Northbound stations with raised platforms : 100% boarding/exiting at car 4, door 4 and car 5, door 1.

Southbound stations with raised platforms: 100% boarding/exiting at car 4, door 4 and car 5, door 1.

Accessible Stations Excluded from the Survey

Far Rockaway-Mott Avenue and Rockaway Park Beach-116th St. stations were not included in this study due to damage by super storm Sandy.

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

North/Eastbound Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 3- 4 4-1 4-2 4-3 4-4 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 6-1 6 -2 6 -3 Inwood-207th St. 175th St. 168th St. 125th St. 14th St.-8th Ave. West 4th St. Jay St.-Metrotech Euclid Ave.

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding/exiting at 4-4 and 5-1 at northbound stations with raised platforms

A Line Vertical Gap Issues *34th St.-Penn Station, northbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 3.5” vertical gap at 5-2 and 5-3 *Other stations without raised platforms do not have vertical gap issues in the recommended boarding area

South/Westbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 3-3 3-4 4-1 4-2 4-3 4-4 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 Inwood-207th St.

168th St.

125th St. 14th St.-8th Ave. West 4th St. Jay St.-Metrotech

Euclid Ave.

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding/exiting at 4-4 and 5-1 at southbound stations with raised platforms

37 Stations, 11 Accessible Stations Station Observations

59th St.-Columbus Circle

Northbound: 3” vertical gap and 6” horizontal gap at car 4, door 4

Dekalb Ave.

Southbound: 3” vertical gap at car 5, door 1

Best Door for Boarding and Exiting

North/Southbound Stations with Raised Platforms: 100% boarding/exiting at car 4, door 4 and car 5, and door 1 at

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

North/Eastbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 4-3 4-4 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 6-1 6-2 6-3 125th St. 47th-50th Sts. Rock. Ctr. 34th St.-Herald Square West 4th St. Broadway-Lafayette St.

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding/exiting at 4-4 and 5-1 at northbound stations with raised platforms

B Line Vertical Gap Issues *59th St.-Columbus Circle, northbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 3” vertical gap at 4-4

South/Westbound Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 3-3 3-4 4-1 4-2 4-3 4-4 5-1 5-2 161st St.-Yankee Stadium 125th St. 47th-50th Sts.- Rock. Ctr. West 4th St. Broadway-Lafayette St.

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding/exiting at 4-4 and 5-1 at southbound stations with raised platforms

B Line Vertical Gap Issues *Dekalb Ave., southbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 3” vertical gap at 5-1

40 Stations, 10 Northbound and 11 Station Observations Southbound Accessible Stations 59th St.-Columbus Circle

Northbound: 3” vertical gap and 6” horizontal gap at car 4, door 4

125th St.

Northbound: right platform, the raised platform is not distinguishable

50th St. (southbound only)

Southbound: 6” vertical gap at car 5, door 1

Best Door for Boarding and Exiting

Northbound stations with raised platforms: 71% boarding/exiting at car 4, door 4

Southbound stations with raised platforms: 100% boarding/exiting at car 5, door 1

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

North/Eastbound Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 3-4 4-1 4-2 4-3 4-4 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 6-1 6-2 6 -3 6 -4 168th St. 125th St. 14th St.-8th Ave. West 4th St. Jay St.-Metrotech Franklin Ave. Euclid Ave.

Most Accessible Doors *71% boarding/exiting at 4-4 at northbound stations with raised platforms *57% boarding/exiting at 4-3 and 5-1 at northbound stations with raised platforms *42.8% boarding/exiting at 3-4, 4-1, and 5-2 at northbound stations with raised platforms

C Line Vertical Gap Issues *59th St.-Columbus Circle, northbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 3” vertical gap at 4-4

South/Westbound Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 3-1 3-2 3-3 3-4 4-1 4-2 4-3 4-4 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 168th St. 125th St. West 4th St. Jay St.-Metrotech Franklin Ave. Euclid Ave.

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding/exiting at 5-1 at southbound stations with raised platforms *83% boarding/exiting at 5-2 at southbound stations with raised platforms

C Line Vertical Gap Issues *50th St., southbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 6” vertical gap at 5-1

Line Case Study: All southbound accessible stations Wheelchair access at the most prevalent accessible door and location of conductor

Car-Door Alignment and Identified Problems Stations Car5-Door 1 168th St. 125th St. 59th St.-Columbus Circle 50th St. 42nd St.-Port Authority 34th St.-Penn Station 14th St.-8th Ave. West 4th St. Jay St.-Metrotech Franklin Ave. Euclid Ave.

Identified Access Problem No Identified Access Problem

Station Problem Solution 59th St.-Columbus Circle Boarding area signage closer to 5-4 and 6-1 Placement of signage near door 5-1. 50th St. Large vertical gap of 5-6” Place raised platform in boarding area 14th St.-8th Ave. Large vertical gap of 4” Place raised platform in boarding area Boarding area signage closer to 5-4 Placement of signage near door 5-1. Jay St.-Metrotech 1’ Stair obstruction at 5-1 Coordinate train alignment to avoid stairs Franklin Ave. Boarding area signage closer to 5-4 Placement of signage near door 5-1

Percentages at 5-1:

*5-1 within raised platforms 100% *5-1 near boarding area signage 73% *5-1 has 18% vertical gap issues

41 Stations, 10 Accessible Stations Station Observations

125th St.

Northbound: raised platform is not distinguishable.

161st St.-Yankee Stadium

Southbound boarding area signage is located at the end of the platform, which is away from the raised platform at car 4, door 4 and car 5, door 1.

North/southbound stations with raised platforms: 85.7% boarding/exiting at car 4, door 4 and car 5, door 1.

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

North/Eastbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 4-4 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 6-1 6-2 6-3 125th St. 47th-50th Sts.-Rock. Ctr. 34th St.-Herald Square West 4th St. Broadway-Lafayette St. Bay Parkway Coney Island-Stillwell Ave.

Most Accessible Doors *85.7% boarding/exiting at 4-4 and 5-1 at northbound stations with raised platforms

South/Westbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 3-3 3-4 4-1 4-2 4-3 4-4 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 6-1 6-2 161st.-Yankee Stadium 125th St. 47th-50th Sts.-Rock. Ctr. West 4th St. Broadway-Lafayette St. Bay Parkway Coney Island-Stillwell Ave.

Most Accessible Doors *85.7% boarding/exiting at 4-4 and 5-1 at southbound stations with raised platforms

32 Stations, 12 North/Eastbound and 13 South/Westbound Accessible Stations Station Observations

World Trade Center

Southbound: pole obstruction at car 5, door 4.

Jamaica-Van Wyck

Eastbound: 3” vertical gap at car 5, door 4.

50th St.

Southbound: 3.75” vertical gap at car 5, door 4.

Northbound stations with raised platforms: 80% boarding/exiting at car 5, door 4 and car 6, door 1. Southbound stations with raised platforms: 100% boarding/exiting at car 5, door 4 and car 6, door 1.

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

North/Eastbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms

Stations 3-4 4-1 4-2 4-3 4-4 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-4 7-1 7-2 7-3 7-4 Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave. 14th St.-8th Ave. West 4th St. World Trade Center

Most Accessible Doors *80% boarding/exiting at 5-4 and 6-1 at northbound stations with raised platforms

E Line Vertical Gap Issues *Jamaica Van Wyck, northbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 3” vertical gap at 5-3

South/Westbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 4-1 4-2 4-3 4-4 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 6-1 6-2 Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike West 4th St. World Trade Center

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding/exiting at 5-4 and 6-1 at southbound stations with raised platforms

E Line Vertical Gap Issues *50th St., southbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measures a 3.75” vertical gap at 5-4

45 Stations, 13 Accessible Stations Station Observations

21st St.-Queensbridge

3” vertical gap in both directions.

Northbound stations with raised platforms: 92% boarding/exiting at car 5, door 4 and car 6, door 1.

Southbound stations with raised platforms: 90% boarding/exiting at car 6, door 1.

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

North/Eastbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms

Stations 4-3 4-4 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-4 7-1 7-2 7-3 7-4 Jamaica-179th St. (L) Jamaica-179th St. (R) Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave. Roosevelt Island Lexington Ave.-63rd St. 47th-50th Sts.- Rock. Ctr. 34th St.-Herald Square West 4th St. Broadway-Lafayette St. Jay St.-Metrotech Church Ave. Coney Island-Stillwell Ave.

Most Accessible Doors *92% boarding/exiting at 5-4 and 6-1 at northbound stations with raised platforms *64% boarding/exiting at 6-2 at northbound stations with raised platforms

F Line Vertical Gap Issues *21st St.-Queensbridge, northbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 3” vertical gap at 5-4

South/Westbound Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms

Stations 3-1 3-2 3-3 3-4 4-1 4-2 4-3 4-4 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 6-1 6-2 6-3 Jamaica-179th St. (L) Jamaica-179th St. (R) Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike Roosevelt Island Lexington Ave.-63rd St. 47th-50th Sts.-Rock. Ctr. West 4th St. Broadway-Lafayette St. Jay St.-Metrotech Church Ave. Coney Island-Stillwell Ave.

Most Accessible Doors *90% boarding/exiting at 6-1 at southbound stations with raised platforms *80% boarding/exiting at 5-4 at southbound stations with raised platforms *50% boarding/exiting at 5-3, and 6-2 at southbound stations with raised platforms

F Line Vertical Gap Issues *21st St.-Queensbridge, southbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 3” vertical gap at 5-3

Line Case Study: All northbound accessible stations Wheelchair access at the most prevalent accessible door and location of conductor

Car-Door Alignment and Identified Problems Stations Car6-Door 1 Jamaica-179th St (L) Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave. 21st St.-Queensbridge Roosevelt Island Lexington Ave.-63rd St. 47th-50th Sts.-Rock. Ctr. 34thSt.-Herald Square West 4th St. Broadway-Lafayette St. Jay St.-Metrotech Church Ave. Coney Island-Stillwell Ave.

Identified Access Problem No Identified Access Problem

Station Problem Solution 21st St.-Queensbridge Large vertical gap of 3” Place raised platform in boarding area Lexington Ave.-63rd St. Boarding area signage closer to 5-3 Placement of signage near door 6-1

Percentages at 6-1:

*6-1 within raised platforms 92% *6-1 near boarding area signage 92% *6-1 has 7% vertical gap issues

21 Stations, 1 Accessible Station Station Observations

Church Ave.

The Church Avenue station is the only accessible station on the G Line, in which no problems were identified.

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

North/Eastbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 2-2 2-3 2-4 3-1 3-2 Church Ave.

*There is only one accessible station on the G Line

South/Westbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 2-4 3-1 3-2 3-3 3-4 4-1 4-2 Church Ave.

30 Stations, 4 Accessible Stations Station Observations

Sutphin Blvd.-Archer Ave.

3” vertical gap in both directions.

Jamaica Ctr.-Parsons/Archer Ave.

3” vertical gap in both directions.

Northbound stations with raised platforms: 100% boarding/exiting at car 4, door 1. Southbound stations with raised platforms: 100% boarding/exiting at car 5, door 4 and car 6, door 1.

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

North/Eastbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 3-4 4-1 4-2 Marcy Ave. Flushing Ave.

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding/exiting at 4-1 at northbound stations with raised platforms

J Line Vertical Gap Issues *Sutphin Blvd.-Archer Ave., northbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 3” vertical gap at 5-1 *Jamaica Ctr.-Parsons/Archer Ave., northbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 3” vertical gap at 5-3

South/Westbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms

Stations 5-4 6-1 Marcy Ave. Flushing Ave.

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding/exiting at 5-4 and 6-1 at southbound stations with raised platforms

J Line Vertical Gap Issues *Sutphin Blvd.-Archer Ave., southbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 3” vertical gap at 4-3 *Jamaica Ctr.-Parsons/Archer Ave., southbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 3” vertical gap at 4-4

24 Stations, 4 Accessible Stations Station Observations

14th St.-Union Square

Boarding area signage is not within the boarding areas.

Eastbound stations with raised platforms: 100% boarding/exiting at car 4, door 1, car 4, door 2 and car 4, door 3. Westbound stations with raised platforms: 100% boarding/exiting at car 5, door 2, car 5, door 3 and car 5, door 4.

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

Eastbound Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 4-1 4-2 4-3 5-1 14th St.-Union Square Myrtle-Wyckoff Aves.

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding/exiting at 4-1, 4-2, and 4-3 at eastbound stations with raised platforms

Westbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 4-4 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 6-1

14th St.-Union Square Myrtle-Wyckoff Aves.

Most Accessible Doors *100% boarding/exiting at 5-2, 5-3, and 5-4 at westbound stations with raised platforms

36 Stations, 11 Accessible Stations Station Observations

Northbound stations with raised platforms: 63% boarding/exiting at car 4, door 4 and car 5, door 1. Southbound stations with raised platforms: 67% boarding/exiting at car 5, door 4.

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

North/Eastbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 3-4 4-1 4-2 4-3 4-4 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-4 Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave. 47th-50th Sts.-Rock. Ctr. 34th St.-Herald Square West 4th St. Broadway-Lafayette St. Marcy Ave. Flushing Ave. Myrtle-Wyckoff Ave.

Most Accessible Doors *63% boarding/exiting at 4-4 and 5-1 at northbound stations with raised platforms *38% boarding/exiting at 4-1, 5-3, 5-4 and 6-2 at northbound stations with raised platforms

South/Westbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 3-1 3-2 3-3 3-4 4-1 4-2 4-3 4-4 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 6-1 47th-50th Sts.-Rock. Ctr. West 4th St. Broadway-Lafayette St. Marcy Ave. Flushing Ave. Myrtle-Wyckoff Ave.

Most Accessible Doors *67% boarding/exiting at 5-4 at southbound stations with raised platforms *50% boarding/exiting at 4-4, 5-1, and 6-1 at southbound stations with raised platforms

Line Case Study: Southbound Accessible Stations Wheelchair access at the most prevalent accessible door and location of conductor

Car-Door Alignment and Identified Problems Stations 5-1 Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave. Queens Plaza Lexington Ave.-53rd St. 47th-50th Sts.-Rock. Ctr. 34th St.-Herald Square West 4th St. Broadway-Lafayette St. Marcy Ave. Flushing Ave. Myrtle-Wyckoff Ave. Middle Village-Metro. Ave.

Identified Access Problems No Identified Access Platforms

Station Problem Solution Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Boarding area signage closer to Placement of signage closest to Ave. 6-3 most accessible doors Lexington-53rd St. Boarding Area signage closer Placement of signage closest to to 5-4 most accessible doors 34th St.-Herald Square Boarding Area signage closer Placement of signage closest to to 5-3 most accessible doors Signage blocked by stairwell Marcy Ave. Boarding area signage closer to Placement of signage closest to 5-4 most accessible doors Flushing Ave. Boarding area signage is closer Placement of signage closest to to 5-4 most accessible doors Myrtle-Wyckoff Ave. Boarding area signage closer to Placement of signage closest to 5-4 most accessible doors Middle Village- Boarding area signage closer to Placement of signage closest to Metropolitan Ave. 5-3 most accessible doors

Percentages at 5-1:

*5-1 within raised platforms 67% *5-1 near boarding area signage 27% *5-1 has 0% vertical gap issues

45 Stations, 6 Northbound and 5 Station Observations Southbound Accessible Stations

14th St.-Union Square

Boarding area signage located near conductor, but not near raised platforms.

North/southbound stations with raised platforms: 75% boarding/exiting at car 5, door 4 and car 6, door 1.

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

North/Eastbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms

Stations 4-4 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-4 7-1 42nd St.-Times Square 34th St.-Herald Square 14th St.-Union Square Coney Island-Stillwell Ave.

Most Accessible Doors *75% boarding/exiting at 5-4 and 6-1 at northbound stations with raised platforms

South/Westbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms

Stations 4-4 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-4 7-1 42nd St.-Times Square 34th St.-Herald Square 14th St.-Union Square Coney Island-Stillwell Ave.

Most Accessible Doors *75% boarding/exiting at 5-4 and 6-1 at southbound stations with raised platforms

35 Stations, 10 Accessible Stations Station Observations

14th St.-Union Square

Boarding area signage located near conductor, but not near raised platforms.

Northbound stations with raised platforms: 67% boarding/exiting at car 5, door 4 and car 6, door 1.

Southbound stations with raised platforms: 75% boarding/exiting at car 5, door 4 and car 6, door 1.

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

North/Eastbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 5-3 5-4 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-4 7-1 34th St.-Herald Square 14th St.-Union Square Coney Island-Stillwell Ave.

Most Accessible Doors *67% boarding/exiting at 5-4 and 6-1 at northbound stations with raised platforms

South/Westbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms

Stations 4-4 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-4 7-1 42nd St.-Times Square 34th St.-Herald Square 14th St.-Union Square Coney Island-Stillwell Ave.

Most Accessible Doors *75% boarding/exiting at 5-4 and 6-1 at southbound stations with raised platforms

Line Case Study: Northbound Accessible Stations Wheelchair access at the most prevalent accessible door and location of conductor

Car-Door Alignment and Identified Problems Stations 6-1 49th St. 42nd St.-Times Square 34th St.-Herald Square 14th St.-Union Square Dekalb Ave. Atlantic Ave.-Barclays Ctr. Prospect Park Kings Hwy. Coney Island-Stillwell Ave.

Identified Access Problems No Identified Access Platforms

Station Problem Solution 14th St.-Union Square Boarding area and conductor Signage indicating possible two not within raised platform boarding areas to include raised platform Dekalb Ave. Boarding Area signage closer Placement of signage closest to to 5-3 most accessible doors Large vertical gap of 3” Placement of raised platform Prospect Park Boarding Area signage closer Placement of signage closest to to 6-3 most accessible doors

Percentages at 6-1:

*6-1 within raised platforms 75% *6-1 near boarding area signage 78% *6-1 has 11% vertical gap issues

45 Stations, 9 Northbound and 8 Station Observations Southbound Accessible Stations 14th St.-Union Square Boarding area signage located near conductor, but not near raised platforms

Atlantic Ave.-Barclays Ctr.

Northbound: 3” vertical gap at car 5, door 1.

Dekalb Ave.

Southbound: 3.5” vertical gap at car 5, door 3.

Northbound stations with raised platforms: 80% boarding/exiting at car 4, door 4 and car 5, door 1. Southbound stations with raised platforms: 75% boarding/exiting at car 4, door 4 and car 5, door 1.

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

North/Eastbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms

Stations 4-1 4-2 4-3 4-4 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 6-1 Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave. 42nd St.-Times Square 34th St.-Herald Square 14th St.-Union Square Jay St.-Metrotech

Most Accessible Doors *80% boarding/exiting at 4-4 and 5-1 at northbound stations with raised platforms

R Line Vertical Gap Issues *Atlantic Ave.-Barclays Ctr., northbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 3” vertical gap at 5-1

South/Westbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 4-1 4-2 4-3 4-4 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 6-1 42nd St.-Times Square 34th St.-Herald Square 14th St.-Union Square Jay St.-Metrotech

Most Accessible Doors *75% boarding/exiting at 4-4 and 5-1 at southbound stations with raised platforms

R Line Vertical Gap Issues *Dekalb Ave., southbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 3.5” vertical gap 5-3

Line Case Study: Northbound Accessible Stations Wheelchair access at the most prevalent accessible door and location of conductor

Car-Door Alignment and Identified Problems Stations 5-1 Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave. Queens Plaza 49th St. 42nd St.-Times Square 34th St.-Herald Square 14th St.-Union Square Jay St.-Metrotech Dekalb Ave. Atlantic Ave.-Barclays Ctr.

Identified Access Problems No Identified Access Platforms

Station Problem Solution 14th St.-Union Square Boarding area and conductor Signage indicating possible two not within raised platform boarding areas to include raised platform Dekalb Ave. Boarding Area signage closer Placement of signage closest to to 6-1 most accessible doors Large vertical gap of 3” Placement of raised platform Atlantic Ave.-Barclays Ctr. Large vertical gap of 4” Placement of raised platform

Percentages at 5-1:

*5-1 within raised platforms 80% *5-1 near boarding area signage 89% *5-1 has 22% vertical gap issues

4 Stations, 3 Accessible Stations Station Observations

Prospect Park

The shuttle stops before entering the boarding area – the shuttle is too short (2 cars) to reach the designated boarding area.

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

North/Southbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 1-1 1-2 Franklin Ave.

*Franklin Avenue is the last stop on the Shuttle. Therefore, north and southbound observations were documented at the same car and doors.

20 Stations, 3 Accessible Stations Station Observations

Sutphin Blvd.-Archer Ave.

3” vertical gap in both directions.

Jamaica Ctr.-Parsons/Archer Ave.

3” vertical gap in both directions.

Accessible Doors at Raised Platforms

North/Eastbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 4-1 4-2 Marcy Ave.

Z Line Vertical Gap Issues *Sutphin Blvd.-Archer Ave., eastbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 3” vertical gap at 5-1 *Jamaica Ctr.-Parsons/Archer Ave., eastbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 3” vertical gap at 5-3

South/Westbound

Car-Door Alignment with Raised Platforms Stations 5-4 6-1 Marcy Ave.

Z Line Vertical Gap Issues *Sutphin Blvd.-Archer Ave., westbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 3” vertical gap at 4-3 *Jamaica Ctr.-Parsons/Archer Ave., westbound, does not have a raised platform in the recommended boarding area where the surveyor measured a 3” vertical gap at 4-4

Appendix

Appendix A: Raised Platforms and Boarding Area Description

Raised platforms can be identified on the platform’s edge by a surface incline which increases the height of the platform within wheelchair boarding areas. The increase in height on the platform surface is designed to decrease the vertical gap between the platform’s edge and the train. This is to ensure safe boarding and exiting of wheelchairs onto subway trains and station platforms.

Incline of raised platform

Raised Platform at Kew Gardens-Union Raised Platform at Franklin Avenue Turnpike station station, Shuttle

Wheelchair boarding areas are typically positioned in the middle of a station’s platform located near the train’s conductor. Boarding area signage is positioned overhead within close proximity to the boarding area.

The MTA’s website displays information regarding boarding, riding, and leaving trains at designated boarding areas. The following information, taken from the MTA’s website at http://www.mta.info/accessibility/transit.htm, gives step by step instructions of how to use the boarding areas:

To ensure that you have a safe, comfortable, and convenient ride, follow these guidelines:

 Wait for the train near the center of the platform, where the car with the conductor normally stops. The conductor will be able to see you more easily and keep the doors open while you board. There are boarding area signs at all accessible stations. This boarding area is specifically modified to accommodate the transfer of wheelchairs between train and platform.  All fully accessible and renovated stations have two-foot-wide yellow tactile edge-warning strips. Make sure that you stay behind these strips until it is time to board the train.  If you are in a wheelchair, position it about three feet from the edge of the platform and facing the tracks, with brakes locked. Never position your wheelchair between a station column and the platform edge. This creates an obstacle to passenger flow and is a safety hazard for you and the other passengers.  At most stations there is a gap, about four inches wide and two inches high, between the platform edge and the subway car; on curved platforms the space can be wider. Please be extra careful when crossing these gaps. (The vertical gap on accessible subway station platforms is lower only near the center of the platform, near the conductor's position.)  Once on board, position your wheelchair close to either end of the car and near but not blocking the doors. Remember to lock your brakes.  If you miss your stop at an accessible station, stay on the train until you reach a station where you can transfer on the same platform to a train in the opposite direction and ride back to the station you missed. Ask the conductor or train operator if you need help.5

Boarding Area Signage at 21st Street-Queensbridge, F Train

5 MTA’s website, http://www.mta.info/accessibility/transit.htm, accessed March 5, 2013.

Appendix B: Description of Vertical and Horizontal Gaps, Code of Federal Regulations, and Section 504(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Large vertical and horizontal gaps between the platform’s edge and trains are prevalent throughout the city’s subway system. Due to the complex nature of the subway system it can be structurally challenging trying to reduce the size of both types of gaps. Ideally, the presence of gaps would be minimal or even non-existent. The following images are given as examples of vertical and horizontal gaps:

th th 59 Street-Columbus Circle, northbound A Train, 50 Street, southbound C Train, large vertical small vertical gap gap

th 59 Street-Columbus Circle, northbound C Train, Brooklyn Bride-City Hall, northbound 4 Train, large horizontal gap large vertical gap

The following image displays an alignment mis-match with a raised platform at Coney Island- Stillwell Avenue. If train doors do not align with raised platforms, wheelchair passengers cannot safely board or exit trains due to the wheelchair tilting.

Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue, Q Train not aligning with raised platform

With the passing of ADA legislation in 1990, the U.S. Department of Transportation published specific design standards to establish requirements regarding transit facilities. These design standards can be found in the Accessibility Handbook for Transit Facilities released by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). A PDF copy can be accessed at, http://www.transit- safety.volpe.dot.gov/training/Archived/EPSSeminarReg/CD/documents/transit/AccessibilityHan dbookJuly1992.pdf. The regulations require a myriad of design standards which are detailed in the Handbook; for this report focus will be given to horizontal and vertical gap regulations which are detailed below:

ADA Regulations - 49 CFR 38.53:

The following information was obtained from the Code of Federal Regulations, found at the United States Government Printing Office website. This link provides a PDF copy of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-1996-title49-vol1/pdf/CFR- 1996-title49-vol1.pdf

Requirements: Where new vehicles will operate in new stations, the design of vehicles shall be coordinated with the boarding platform design such that the horizontal gap between each vehicle door at rest and the platform shall be no greater than 3 inches and the height of the vehicle floor shall be within plus or minus 5/8 inch of the platform height under all normal passenger load conditions. Vertical alignment may be accomplished by vehicle air suspension or other suitable means of meeting the requirement.

Exception 1: New vehicles operating in existing stations may have a floor height within plus or minus 1 1/2 inches of the platform height. At key stations, the horizontal gap between at least one door of each such vehicle and the platform shall be no greater than 3 inches.

Exception 2: Retrofitted vehicles shall be coordinated with the platform in new and key stations such that the horizontal gap shall be no greater than 4 inches and the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger load, shall be within plus or minus 2 inches of the platform height.6

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Requires that any program or agency utilizing Federal financial assistance cannot discriminate or deny persons with disabilities from participating in any activity of which receives such assistance:

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act - Nondiscrimination Under Federal Grants and Programs

Sec. 504 (a) No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States, as defined in section 7(20), shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance or under any program or activity conducted by any Executive agency or by the United States Postal Service. The head of each such agency shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the amendments to this section made by the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Act of 1978. Copies of any proposed regulation shall be submitted to appropriate authorizing committees of Congress, and such regulations may take effect no earlier than the thirtieth day after the date on which such regulation is so submitted to such committees.7

6 Exception 2 applies to NYCT subway stations that are designated as Key Stations, this information was obtained from the U.S. Government Printing Office website, http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-1996-title49-vol1/pdf/CFR- 1996-title49-vol1.pdf, accessed March 3, 2013. 7 Section 504(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, http://www.section508.gov/docs/section504.pdf, accessed March 5, 2013.

Appendix C: Subway Stations Surveyed

Count Station Line Key Station

1 125th St 4, 5, 6 Key 2 125th St A, B, C, D Key 3 175th St A Key 4 42nd Street-Port Authority A, C, E Key 5 Pelham Bay Park 6 Key 6 51st St 6 Key 7 Grand Central-42nd St 4, 5, 6 Key 8 World Trade Center E Key 9 Simpson St 2, 5 Key 10 Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue D, F , N, Q Key 11 34th St-Herald Square N, Q, R Key 12 34th St-Herald Square B, D, F, M Key 13 Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall 4, 5, 6 Key 14 3rd Avenue-149th St 2, 5 Key 15 Borough Hall 2, 3 Key 16 Borough Hall (Northbound Only) 4, 5 Non-Key 17 Flatbush Ave 2, 5 Key 18 Church Ave 2, 5 Key 19 Church Ave F, G Key 20 34th St-Penn Station 1, 2, 3 Key 21 Woodside-61st St 7 Key 22 Flushing-Main St 7 Key 23 14th Street-Union Square N, Q, R Key 24 14th Street-Union Square L Key 25 Inwood-207th Str A Key 26 66th Street-Lincoln Center 1 Key 27 14th St A, C, E Key 28 8th Ave L Key 29 Franklin Ave C Key 30 Franklin Ave S Key 31 161st Street-Yankee Stadium 4 Key 32 161st Street-Yankee Stadium B, D Key 33 Grand Central-42nd St 7 Key 34 34th Street-Penn Station A, C, E Key 35 Flushing Ave J, M Key 36 Prospect Park B, Q, S Key 37 72nd St 1, 2, 3 Key

38 Atlantic Ave-Barclays Center D, N, R Key 39 Atlantic Ave-Barclays Center B, Q Key 40 Atlantic Ave-Barclays Center 2, 3, 4, 5 Key 41 Marcy Avenue J, M, Z Key 42 Lexington Ave-53rd St E, M Key 43 Utica Ave 3, 4 Key 44 Utica Ave A, C Key 45 DeKalb Ave B, Q, R Key 46 West 4th St A, B, C, D, E, F, M Key 47 Jamaica-179th St F Key 48 Times Square-42nd St N, Q, R Key 49 Times Square-42nd St 1, 2, 3 Key 50 Times Square-42nd St 7 Key 51 74th Street-Broadway 7 Key 52 Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave. E, F, M, R Key 53 Euclid Ave A, C Key 54 Fordham Road 4 Key 55 Queens Plaza E, M, R Key 56 231st St 1 Key 57 Junction Boulevard 7 Key 58 168th St A, C Key 59 Pelham Parkway 2, 5 Key 60 233rd St 2, 5 Key 61 Bowling Green 4,5 Key 62 Myrtle Avenue L Key 63 Wyckoff Avenue M Key 64 135th St 2,3 Key 65 Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike E, F Key 66 47-50th Streets-Rockefeller Ctr. B, D, F, M Key 67 Chambers Street 1, 2, 3 Key 68 59th Street-Columbus Circle A, B, C, D Key 69 59th Street-Columbus Circle 1 Key 70 Jay Street-Metrotech A, C, F Key 71 Jay Street-Metrotech R Non-Key 72 96th St 1, 2, 3 Key 73 Kings Highway B, Q Key 74 East 180th St 2, 5 Key 75 Bay Parkway D Key 76 Bleecker St 6 Key 77 Broadway-Lafayette St B, D, F, M Key 78 Gun Hill Rd 2, 5 Non-Key

79 50th Street (Southbound Only) C, E Non-Key 80 Lexington Ave.-63rd Street F Non-Key 81 Roosevelt Island F Non-Key 82 21st Street-Queensbrdige F Non-Key 83 Jamaica-Van Wyck E Non-Key 84 Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer E, J, Z Non-Key 85 Sutphin Boulevard E, J, Z Non-Key 86 Middle Village-Metropolitan M Non-Key Ave. 87 Park Place S Non-Key 88 Canal Street 6 Non-Key 89 49th Street (Northbound Only) N, Q, R Non-Key 90 Avenue H (Southbound Only) Q Non-Key 91 Fulton Street (Southbound Only) 4, 5 Non-Key

Appendix D: Survey Forms

Appendix E: On-The-Go Travel Stations, Help Points, and Wheelchair User Travel Training

The MTA launched a pilot project, in 2011, installing interactive touchscreen kiosks at Bowling Green, Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center, Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue stations and at Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal. Called, On-the-Go Travel Stations, the kiosks display passenger travel information such as service delays, real- time service status, down elevator and escalators, and neighborhood maps. The project has received positive customer reviews resulting in an additional 77 kiosks to be installed in system stations.

The kiosks are designed to be able to display specific station information that can be changed at various times of the day. The Penn Station On-the-Go Travel Station displays subway information in the morning and LIRR service information in the evening. All information is controlled from a secure web-based system where applications can be changed when needed.8 On-the-Go Travel Station at Grand Central Terminal

The NYCTRC recommends the MTA have kiosks installed in all accessible stations with detailed station specific information available to wheelchair passengers. An accessible application that when touched on the screen would detail the following information:

 Station floor plan illustrating location of station elevators and accessible exits  Information identifying out-of-service elevators at that station and at other accessible stations  Safe travel routes to any possible line transfers accessible from that station  Location of station Help Point  Location of designated wheelchair boarding areas  Location of the best car and door for boarding within the designated boarding area  Location of physical barriers such as columns and staircases blocking accessible doors

8 Additional information about the On-the-Go Travel Stations can be found at the MTA’s website at http://new.mta.info/news/mta-add-more-go-touch-screens.

Help Points (HP)

The NYCTRC recommends the MTA install Help Points (HP) in all accessible stations and add the camera function to monitor the platforms and increase security. In 2011, the MTA rolled out the Help Points pilot project at the 23rd Street and Brooklyn Bridge stations on the Lexington Avenue line. The Help Points are designed to be easily identifiable and provide passengers with travel directions and emergency assistance. The calls are directed to personal in the station’s booth and to the Rail Control Center.9 Currently, due to the success of the pilot project, the MTA plans to install Help Points at 102 subway stations as part of the 2010-2014 Capital Program.10 The long-term plan is to install Help Points in every subway station, which would Help Point at Brooklyn Bridge-City replace the current Customer Assistance Intercoms (CAI). Hall station

Travel Training for Wheelchair Users

NYCT’s Subway Track Education Program (STEP), facilitated by the MTA’s Office of ADA Compliance, was developed to educate passengers who are blind or visually impaired with information if they should fall onto the track bed. Unfortunately, due to staffing constraints this program is currently not being scheduled until additional staff can be hired. The NYCTRC recommends the reinstatement of this program to be extended to wheelchair passengers. Wheelchair passengers need to know how to ride the subway and need information on what to do if they find themselves in an emergency situation. Establishing a STEP program designed for wheelchair passengers will provide passengers with useful information enabling confident and safe travel.11

9 “Help Points to Make Subway Safer, Easier to Use,” MTA website Press Release, http://new.mta.info/help-points- make-subway-safer-easier-use, April 5, 2011, accessed April 5, 2013. 10 “Help Points Coming to 102 Subway Stations,” MTA website Press Release, http://new.mta.info/help-points- coming-102-subway-stations, September 21, 2012, accessed April 5, 2013. 11 NYCT’s Subway Track Education Program (STEP), http://www.pcac.org/2009/06/15/nycts-subway-track- education-program-step/, accessed March 17, 2013.

New York City Transit Riders Council 347 Madison Ave. New York, NY 10017 [email protected]