Upgrades Coming to Four Subways Stops, but Accessibility?

Starting this spring, several subway stations on the west side of Manhattan will be closed to the public while the MTA makes major repairs.

The transit agency says the renovations are part of its Enhanced Station Initiative, and that shutting down the B/C stations at 72nd, 86th and 110th streets, as well as the 163rd Street C stop, will let MTA workers do their work as quickly as possible. The stations will start shutting down in April and are expected to remain closed until the fall.

According to the MTA, the renovations will include much-needed upgrades to the stations' platforms and mezzanine levels. That includes fixing wall tiles and replacing the floors, as well as adding better lighting and illuminated handrails. The agency is also installing digital countdown clocks and wifi.

This could also be an opportunity for the MTA to make one of New York City's most popular attractions more accessible for people with disabilities. Right now, there are no B/C subway stations with elevators between Columbus Circle and 125th Street. Chris Pangilinan of the advocacy group Transit Center told WNYC that makes it harder for people with disabilities to get to Central Park.

"If you're going to be closing down these stations for six months, check out the feasibility of building elevators at these stations, because this is the time to do it, when the stations are closed," Pangilinan says.

The MTA said it plans to study the cost of making every subway station in the city accessible to everyone, but would not comment on whether it will add elevators as part of the upcoming renovations.