MN Guide to Accessible Transit on Buses and Subways Table of Contents 1 Introduction 4 Reduced-Fare MetroCard 8 Navigating the Subway 16 Accessible Stations by Borough 26 Same-Platform Transfers 28 Riding the Bus 35 Paratransit Access-A-Ride 38 Policies and Procedures 42 Travel Training Introduction | 1 Introduction Our Transit system is complex and changing all the time. We created this guide to help you better understand and navigate the accessibility features of the system. All of our buses are wheelchair accessible, there are accessible subway stations in each borough, and Paratransit Access-A-Ride provides services to help customers with qualifying disabilities get to where they need to go, but we fully recognize that there is much more to do. We plan to implement: • At least 50 new accessible stations within the next 5 years • A new Paratransit Access-A-Ride scheduling and dispatch system, offering more direct routes and customer flexibility • Better information regarding elevator outages and alternate travel routes in stations, on our website and by email, mobile app, and text alert • Enhanced disability sensitivity training for all employees • More accessibility features on buses including increased audio and visual announcements Introduction 2 | 3 Introduction For more information or to contact us regarding accessibility please use the following channels Plan a Trip Visit new.mta.info or use the MYmta app and select the accessible trip option to find an accessible trip to your destination. This option takes into account current service status and elevator outages when planning an accessible route. In Person Please seek assistance via: You can also customize the TripPlanner if you prefer to travel by only buses, only subways, or both. • NYCT station booth attendants, vested employees, or cleaning staff Web/email new.mta.info/accessibility [email protected] • A Help Point intercom to talk with a Customer Service Representative 24/7 Twitter @NYCTSubway @NYCTBus • A visit to our Customer Service Center @NYCTAAR at 3 Stone Street, New York, NY 10004 MYmta Get free email and/or text alerts regarding Alerts elevator and escalator status at stations. Induction Loop Technology Sign up in the MYmta app or online at Induction Loop Technology is available mymtaalerts.com on all Help Points and station booths Phone Call 511, 6 AM to 10 PM. in Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Our automated voice recognition Manhattan. See Navigating the Subway system is available 24/7 and directs you to a menu or travel representative. section for more details. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use your preferred relay service provider or the free 711 service relay to reach 511. Reduced-Fare MetroCard Program 4 | 5 Reduced-Fare MetroCard Program Customers 65 years of age or older, or To apply for a Reduced-Fare MetroCard who have a qualifying disability, are eligible for People with Disabilities or Senior Citizens: for reduced-fare travel at $1.35 per trip. • Visit . Scroll to “How to Apply Persons with the following disabilities may new.mta.info/RFM for a Reduced-Fare MetroCard” and download the qualify for the Reduced-Fare MetroCard: application that applies to you • Blindness • Provide a photocopy of one of the following proof • Deafness or hearing loss of age documents: • Ambulatory disability Birth Certificate • Loss of both hands Driver’s License • Intellectual disability and/or other mental Passport capacity disability Valid State ID • Serious Mental Illness (SMI), if you receive Medicare Card Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits • If you are applying for the Reduced-Fare • Customers receiving Medicare benefits for any MetroCard for people with disabilities, complete reason other than age may also be eligible. the section that applies to your eligibility category • If the Certification Section applies to your disability, you must have a physician or other licensed healthcare provider (“Certifier”) complete the Certification • Allow two to eight weeks for in-house processing Reduced-Fare MetroCard Program 6 | 7 Reduced-Fare MetroCard Program Applications for a Reduced-Fare MetroCard Mobile Vans can be submitted: Mobile MetroCard Service Centers have regular By mail to: monthly schedules that take them to the five MTA New York City Transit boroughs. To see when a bus or van will be near Attn: Reduced-Fare Program you, visit new.mta.info/metrocard-bus-vans. 130 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 If you are applying in person, a photo will be taken In person to: at the Customer Service Center or on the MetroCard Mobile Sales Bus or Van. The Customer Service Center 3 Stone Street Visitors are also encouraged to apply for Reduced- New York, NY 10004 Fare MetroCards using the same application at least two to eight weeks in advance of your visit. Weekdays 9 AM - 5 PM (except holidays) Temporary Cards Travel directions to 3 Stone Street: MTA New York City Transit offers a temporary By Subway Reduced-Fare MetroCard to customers who cannot 45 to Bowling Green ≤ access the turnstiles because they use a mobility 1 to South Ferry ≤ device or travel with a service animal. The temporary card is valid for up to 90 days and is issued upon R=W= to Whitehall Street (non-accessible station) submission of the Reduced-Fare application. By Bus Visit the Customer Service Center or Mobile Service M15, M15-SBS, M20, M55 Center for more information. Navigating the Subway 8 | 9 Navigating the Subway Plan a Trip Entering a Subway Station Visit new.mta.info or use the MYmta app • For stair-free access, locate the elevator or ramp and select the accessible trip option to find an that will take you from the street to the mezzanine. accessible route to your destination. This option You can find elevator and ramp locations in our takes into account current service status and list of accessible stations (see pages 16-25). Look elevator outages when planning an accessible trip. for directional signs with the ISA icon ≤ as you You can also customize the TripPlanner if you prefer navigate the station. to travel by only buses, only subways, or both. • Braille and raised lettering signage including the Large Print and Accessible Station Subway Maps station name and the train lines the station serves Call 511 to request an accessible station map, is usually found on the right side of street-level which features large print on one side and highlights subway entrances. accessible stations on the other side. These maps are also digitally available on new.mta.info/maps/ subway or the MYmta app. Service Changes We post notices in all subway stations and on digital screens in advance of all planned service changes. If you see the International Symbol for Accessibility (ISA) ≤ icon on a notice, it means the planned service change detailed on that notice will affect service at one or more accessible subway stations. During a service change, we also display notices near elevators or on white boards in station booths. If your train is rerouted from an accessible station, ask the station agent or any other vested station personnel to help you find an alternate route. Navigating the Subway 10 | 11 Navigating the Subway At the Mezzanine After You Pay Your Fare: Station Booths • Most subway stations have separate mezzanine • All station booths in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and platform levels. and The Bronx are equipped with Induction Loop • If you need to use an elevator or ramp to get to the Technology. If you use a hearing aid or cochlear platform, look for directional signs with the ISA ≤ implant, switch to the T-setting (telecoil) to directing you to the elevator or ramp that will take communicate with the station agent. you to the correct platform. • Station booths at accessible stations are equipped If an elevator is out of service, you should: with lower trays within reach range. • Check for signage on the elevator with alternate MetroCards route information. • All MetroCard Vending Machines (MVM) are • If there is no alternate route signage, visit equipped with an audio jack, and you can activate new.mta.info or the MYmta app and use the the audio after inserting headphones by pressing accessible trip planning feature. either 1+# or 1+ENTER. MVMs also have these • Ask station personnel for assistance. instructions in braille and raised lettering. • Note: For the most up-to-date information on • To enter the station, you can swipe any MetroCard elevator and escalator status, please visit at the turnstile. new.mta.info/elevator-escalator-status, • If you have a Reduced-Fare AutoGate MetroCard the MYmta app or call 511. you can also dip your card in the AutoGate card reader. The AutoGate is an automatic entry-exit gate that allows customers who use mobility devices or are accompanied by a service animal to enter and exit the subway system independently. Ask an NYCT employee if you need assistance with the AutoGate. Navigating the Subway 12 | 13 Navigating the Subway Boarding the Subway: • Stay behind the yellow warning strip when on the platform. • If needed, look for overhead signage to indicate the Accessible Boarding Area near the center of the platform where the conductor’s car normally stops. • Boarding at the Accessible Boarding Area allows the conductor to ensure you have safely boarded the train before closing the doors. On the Subway: • If you use a mobility device, try to navigate to On the Platform the priority seating area, located at either end of All fully accessible and recently renovated stations have: each subway car. Newer subway cars have flip • Braille and raised lettering signage on the platform seats or no seats in the priority seating area of the columns near the stairs indicating the stop name subway cars surrounding the Accessible Boarding and direction of travel.