Rocío Boroche is on her way to work in Bushwick and, like every day, has to carry her daughter’s baby carriage on her long journey from the A train to the L train at Broadway Junction station in East New York.
“It is a bit difficult when you have to travel every day, you have to cover the car and there are many stairs … it takes a lot, not only for me but for those who come in a wheelchair, with many things” Rocío explained.
And it is that this huge station that includes an underground train and two lines that pass through the heights, does not have any elevator.
That is why within the federal funds that will be invested in the city’s public transportation, 15 million are destined to equip the station with access to people with disabilities.
“Right now it is a big problem, because people who cannot walk, who are in a wheelchair cannot go to find the L, it is very uncomfortable for them, it is very complicated,” said another user.
And it is that long stairs like the one on the route from line A to line L, is what has caused 7 elevators to be placed in the station.
It is very common to see people carrying heavy boxes, or many elderly adults walking with a cane, like Angela Meneses, who comes to see her doctor for back problems.
“Up and down and right now here to wait to go to work, yes it is necessary … then you need an elevator to be able to move one,” said Angela.
Elevators missing.
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This station is extremely busy: more than 100,000 passengers use it daily, especially because it connects with the JFK airport.
“I don’t have to use a lot of force with my knee anymore, understand and I go softer, a little softer,” said another user.
Not only will seven elevators be installed, but also ramps will be placed, escalators will be renovated and structural changes will be made, since the A, C, J, Z and L train run through here, connecting Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens.
This station is one of the 66 in which the MTA will implement accessibility for people with mobility problems within its 2020-2024 plan.
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