MTA Unveils Accessibility Upgrades at Harlem-148 St Station

Ramp Design Delivers Accessibility and Major Cost Savings; Aligns with MTA's Commitment to Upgrading the System Better, Faster and Cheaper

Project Completed on Time and Under Budget

New Artwork by Local Artist Featured in Station

See Photos and Video of Station Upgrades

See Video of Today's Event

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the completion of accessibility upgrades at the Harlem-148 St station. A new six-foot-wide ADA-compliant ramp with guardrails and handrails has been installed that runs from the street to the platform, delivering a reliable, lower-cost accessibility solution for customers. Next to the new ramp, project crews installed an eight-foot-wide staircase giving customers an additional path from street to platform. Together, this new infrastructure will greatly improve the flow of customers entering and exiting the station.

"In recent years, the MTA has dramatically accelerated work to make our subway system ADA accessible," said MTA Chair & CEO Janno Lieber. "Since 2020, we've upgraded 57 stations to fully accessible status, and right now another 40 stations are under construction, with 60 stations more coming as part of the current MTA Capital Plan."

"At Harlem-148 St, we found a way to deliver full accessibility that's not only great for riders, but also great for our budget," said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. "It's a perfect example of how the MTA is expanding accessibility better, faster, and cheaper - by installing a ramp where it makes sense over what elevators would have cost, we saved $30 million on this project, and that's dollars that go into making other stations ADA-accessible."

"Harlem just got more accessible- that means more New Yorkers can get where they need to go smoothly, safely, and efficiently, whether they're using a mobility device, pushing a stroller, or even just carrying their groceries," said New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. "Along with the new ramp and stairs, we've added new LED lights, a new PA system, and more customer information screens to enhance this station for the riders who depend on it."

"All Harlem residents and visitors, especially those with mobility devices, luggage, and strollers, will forever enjoy guaranteed access to this station thanks to this newly installed ramp," said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. "Harlem-148 St station is now the latest station to receive accessibility upgrades, getting the MTA closer to the goal of systemwide accessibility by 2055."

Because every station in the MTA system is built differently, ramps aren't always feasible, but where they fit, they are significantly cheaper to build and require less maintenance than elevators. The design is part of an ongoing effort by MTA C&D to expand accessibility while reducing costs, contributing to the more than $4 billion saved since the creation of MTA C&D in 2020.

In addition to accessibility upgrades, the project includes significant station upgrades designed to enhance customer experience, including brighter, energy-efficient LED lighting above and below the ramp, a new Automated Fare Control gate, a new public announcement system and a new customer information screen. Upgrades also include a new CCTV system along with an expanded fire alarm system. The station also features new artwork by a local artist.

The upgrades at the Harlem-148 St station are the first to be completed as part of the ADA Package 5, a bundle of 13 stations on the subway and Staten Island Railway across the five boroughs. This includes the installation of new elevators or ramps compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as other accessibility upgrades and work to bring the facilities into a state of good repair and keep the Authority on track to make 95% of subway stations accessible by 2055.

The full list of stations included in ADA Package 5 are:

• Van Cortland Park - 242 St
• Harlem 148 St
• 96 St
• 81 St
• 86 St
• Broadway
• Court Sq-23 St
• 33 St-Rawson St
• 46 St-Bliss St
• Classon Av
• New Lots Av
• 36th St
• Huguenot Station SIR

Art is another element of the upgrades at Harlem-148 St station. MTA Arts & Design announced the installation of Harlem Reflections, a new permanent artwork by artist Michael A. Cummings. Comprising 36 intricately designed stainless-steel panels installed within the railing of the new ramp, the work traces the layered histories, communities, and natural landscapes that have shaped Harlem and Manhattan. A longtime Harlem resident and acclaimed quiltmaker, Cummings brings his signature storytelling approach to the transit environment, creating a dynamic visual experience that honors the neighborhood's legacy.

"Accessibility is a vital part of an inclusive and vibrant community, and I am grateful for the ongoing collaboration with the MTA to ensure vital infrastructure updates, including the installation of ADA ramps at the 148th Street Station in Harlem, that reaffirms our commitment to providing equity and accessibility for all members of our community," said U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat. "I am proud to stand in solidarity with our community on this issue. This is a victory for NY-13 constituents, our neighborhoods, and the region."

"Accessibility is not a luxury-it's a necessity" said Assembly Member Al Taylor. "The upgrades at the Harlem-148th Street station are a major step forward for our community, ensuring that seniors, people with disabilities, and families with strollers can access public transportation safely and with dignity. Harlem deserves infrastructure that works for everyone, and this investment reflects our commitment to equity, safety, and connection. I thank the MTA for its partnership and look forward to seeing our community benefit from this every day."

"I am ecstatic that thousands of my constituents who begin and end their days at the 148th Street Station now have a modernized, safe, accessible and welcoming transit hub that is worthy of them," said State Senator Cordell Cleare. "Congratulations to the MTA for getting this project done on the fast track and let's keep it going all over SD-30!"

"The completion of these upgrades at the Harlem-148th Street station marks an important step toward a more accessible and rider-friendly transit system," said NYC Council Member Yusef Salaam. "I commend the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for investing in infrastructure that directly improves the daily experience of our residents. The new staircase and ADA-compliant ramp will make this station safer, more efficient, and more inclusive for everyone who depends on it. We will continue to advocate for upgrades like these across our transit network so that every New Yorker can travel with dignity and ease."

"I'm happy to join MTA Chair Janno Lieber and my fellow elected officials to celebrate the completion of station and accessibility upgrades at the Harlem-148 St station," said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. "In addition to a brand-new ADA compliant ramp, the MTA has installed new guardrails and handrails, a public announcement system, and modern wayfinding to vastly improve the station experience for Harlem residents. I look forward to working with Chair Lieber and the MTA to advance similar projects across all of Manhattan's subway stations."