NY Transit Museum hosts webinar on accessibility – Caribbean Life

Accessibility for All: A Report on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)

Introduction

On July 27, the New York Transit Museum (NYTM) hosted a webinar on the history and future of accessibility for all, featuring members Charley Cohen and Mira Philipson from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Accessibility team.

The Concept of Accessibility for All

Mira Philipson, the senior innovation strategist on the team, emphasized that “Everyone deserves equal access to the same places, experiences, information, and content.” The MTA goes beyond the minimum standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) to ensure accessibility for all individuals.

Accessibility within Each Division

According to the MTA, as of July 15, 141 out of 493 stations in the New York City Transit (NYCT) Subway and Staten Island Railroad are accessible. The full fleet of approximately 5,900 local, express, and Select Bus Service (SBS) buses are accessible via ramp or lift. For the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), 111 out of 124 stations are currently accessible, while for Metro-North Railroad (MNR), 84 out of 124 stations are currently accessible.

History of Accessibility

Accessibility for buses began in September 1975 with the implementation of half-fare for the disabled in NYC. By 1997, wheelchair platforms and new priority seating were introduced. For subways, accessibility efforts started in September 1984, with a goal to make 54 stations accessible by 2010. In 2000, the Federal Transit Administration approved 95 key stations to be accessible.

Current Accessibility Features

Current accessibility features for buses include wider doors and ramps, high color contrast, braille bus number placards, priority seating identification labels, and priority seating for wheelchair users. Subway stations have improved station access, larger elevators, wheelchair-priority seating, intercoms, and audio/visual signs.

Technological Advancements

The MTA has implemented technology features and applications to enhance accessibility. These include OMNY, the contactless fare paying system, and the MTA app. Additionally, individuals can chat with frontline personnel from the NYCT Digital Communications Unit (DCU) and receive real-time service alerts via the MTA’s WhatsApp profile.

Stay Updated

To stay updated on the work of the NYTM, interested individuals can sign up for their newsletter. For any questions or inquiries, they can contact the NYTM directly.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
   • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons.
   • Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age and persons with disabilities.

Analysis

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article discusses the importance of accessibility for all individuals, emphasizing the need for equal access to places, experiences, information, and content. This aligns with SDG 10’s goal of reducing inequalities by promoting social inclusion and equal opportunities for all. The specific target under SDG 10 that can be identified is Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.

The article mentions the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) as the minimum standard for accessibility that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) works towards. This can be considered an indicator (Indicator 10.2.1) to measure progress towards the target of promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article focuses on the accessibility of transportation systems within the MTA, including buses and subways. This aligns with SDG 11’s goal of providing access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all. The specific target under SDG 11 that can be identified is Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons.

The article mentions the number of accessible stations for different divisions within the MTA, such as the New York City Transit (NYCT) Subway and the Staten Island Railroad. This can be considered an indicator (Indicator 11.2.1) to measure progress towards the target of providing convenient access to public transport for all individuals, including persons with disabilities.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: caribbeanlife.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.