MTA Adds Ramp at Harlem-148 St Station

MTA installs ADA-compliant ramp at Harlem-148 St station, saving $30 million over elevator costs

MTA Adds Ramp at Harlem-148 St Station

Riders using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers now have direct access to the Harlem-148 St subway station's platform. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority completed accessibility upgrades at the station, installing a six-foot-wide ADA-compliant ramp with guardrails and handrails that runs from street level to the platform. The project came in $30 million under budget compared to what elevator installation would've cost.

Part of Broader Accessibility Push

The Harlem-148 St station is the first completed project in ADA Package 5, which includes 13 stations across New York's five boroughs. Since 2020, the MTA has upgraded 57 stations to fully accessible status, with 40 more currently under construction. The agency aims to make 95% of subway stations accessible by 2055, addressing decades of infrastructure that predates federal accessibility requirements. Transit officials said the ramp design offers a cost-effective alternative to elevators while meeting full ADA compliance standards.

Ramp Paired with Staircase and Tech Upgrades

An eight-foot-wide staircase was added next to the ramp, providing an additional path for customers entering and exiting the station. The project also included new LED lighting throughout the station, a modern public announcement system, customer information screens, and an upgraded CCTV security system. The station now features artwork called 'Harlem Reflections' by local artist Michael A. Cummings, consisting of 36 stainless-steel panels installed within the ramp railing. Officials said the art installation celebrates the neighborhood's cultural heritage while serving a functional role in the ramp's design.

Project Completed On Time and Under Budget

The MTA completed the Harlem-148 St upgrades on schedule, transit officials confirmed. The $30 million in savings compared to elevator installation costs demonstrates the financial efficiency of ramp-based accessibility solutions at stations where grade and space allow for that approach. Officials didn't specify the exact completion date or when construction began, but noted the project stayed within its planned timeline throughout the work.

Improved Access for Thousands of Daily Riders

The accessibility upgrades benefit riders with mobility challenges who previously couldn't access the station independently, as well as parents with strollers and travelers with heavy luggage. The remaining 12 stations in ADA Package 5 are in various stages of planning and construction, though officials haven't announced completion timelines for those projects. Moovit provides real-time service information and accessible route planning for MTA subway lines, helping riders navigate the system's growing network of accessible stations.