NYC Adds Elevator at 59 St-Columbus Circle

MTA opens new elevator at 59 St-Columbus Circle station via private partnership

MTA Opens New Elevator at 59 St-Columbus Circle

Riders at one of New York City's busiest subway stations now have an additional way to access platforms without using stairs. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority opened a new elevator at the 59 St-Columbus Circle station, completed through a public-private partnership with Global Holdings at no cost to the transit agency. The elevator serves both southbound and northbound lines at the major transit hub.

Partnership Expands Accessibility Options

The station was already ADA accessible, but the new elevator provides additional capacity and redundant service for riders who can't use stairs or escalators. Global Holdings paid for and constructed the elevator, allowing the MTA to expand accessibility while directing public funding to other high-priority needs. The transit agency is using public-private partnerships as a strategy to accelerate accessibility improvements across the system. This approach has enabled the MTA to add elevators and escalators at key stations without straining capital budgets.

Project Includes System Upgrades

The elevator was completed ahead of schedule and will be maintained by the MTA going forward. Mid-American Elevator manufactured the equipment for the project. In addition to the elevator installation, crews installed security cameras, upgraded security systems, created a new vacuum room, and made improvements to mechanical, electrical and communications systems. The station also opened a replacement escalator last year that was funded by a private developer.

Elevator Now in Service

The new elevator is now in service for riders at the 59 St-Columbus Circle station. Officials didn't specify an exact completion date, though the project finished ahead of its original schedule. The MTA will handle ongoing maintenance and operations of the elevator as part of the station's accessibility infrastructure.

Riders Gain Additional Access Option

The additional elevator gives riders more options for accessing platforms at the busy transit hub, particularly during peak hours when existing elevators may be crowded. Riders with mobility devices, strollers, or heavy luggage will benefit from the added capacity. Moovit provides real-time service information and accessibility details for MTA stations throughout New York City.