Sky-high upgrade: Installing elevators at New York City's tallest subway station to enhance accessibility, taking us vertically upward
In the heart of Gowanus, Brooklyn, the Smith-9th Street subway station stands tall as the highest point in New York City's subway system. With its towering height of nearly 90 feet above ground, this station has long been a challenge for commuters, particularly those with disabilities, seniors, and those with strollers or luggage. However, relief is on the horizon, as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced plans to install elevators as part of their 2025-2029 Capital Plan.
The MTA's ambitious plan, which aims to improve accessibility at challenging stations like Smith-9th Street, includes funding for the addition of elevators at this iconic station. The project is expected to significantly improve accessibility for thousands of daily riders of the F and G trains.
The announcement was made in August 2025 by state officials including State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon. The MTA's chief accessibility officer, Quemuel Arroyo, expressed his excitement about starting work on the Smith-9th Street station and throughout Brooklyn.
The inclusion of elevators at the Smith-9th Street station is a significant victory for transit equity and daily commuters. It follows the recent opening of the fully ADA-accessible Bay Ridge-95th Street station in Brooklyn, which serves as a precedent for the upcoming improvements at the Smith-9th Street station.
While the exact timeline for the installation and opening of the elevators at the Smith-9th Street station remains undated, the MTA's capital plan covers the years 2025 through 2029. The agency has not provided a precise date or estimated construction start time for the project.
The lack of accessibility at the Smith-9th Street station has been a significant issue for many commuters. Sen. Andrew Gounardes compared the stair climb to Mount Everest. The current situation necessitates long climbs up stairs and escalators, which can be particularly challenging for those with mobility issues.
The MTA's capital plan is bound by a court-approved settlement to ensure that 95% of NYC's subway stations are ADA-accessible by 2055. The addition of elevators at the Smith-9th Street station will contribute to more than 50% accessibility in the subway system.
Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon commends the MTA for making accessibility a priority in its capital plan. The installation of elevators at the Smith-9th Street station is a step towards a more inclusive and accessible New York City subway system.
[1] MTA Announces Capital Plan Including Elevators at Smith-9th Street Station. (2025, August). [online] Available at: https://www.mta.info/news/mta-announces-capital-plan-including-elevators-smith-9th-street-station
[2] Smith-9th Street Station to Get Elevators as Part of MTA's Approved Capital Plan. (2025, August). [online] Available at: https://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny-mta-approves-capital-plan-elevators-smith-9th-street-20250801-j3v76d775nb4jf55x44jqk56jm-story.html
[3] MTA Capital Plan Includes Elevators for Smith-9th Street Station but No Timeline for Installation. (2025, August). [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/01/nyregion/mta-capital-plan-elevators-smith-9th-street.html
[4] Accessibility Improvements Coming to Smith-9th Street Subway Station. (2025, August). [online] Available at: https://www.govtech.com/workforce/Accessibility-Improvements-Coming-to-Smith-9th-Street-Subway-Station.html
[5] State Officials Announce Smith-9th Street Station Elevator Project. (2025, August). [online] Available at: https://www.brooklynreporter.com/stories/state-officials-announce-smith-9th-street-station-elevator-project,15866
- The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Capital Plan, which spans from 2025 to 2029, includes finance for the addition of elevators in the industry sector, specifically at the Smith-9th Street subway station, with the aim to enhance transportation access for thousands of daily commuters.
- The installation of elevators at the Smith-9th Street station, to be completed as part of the MTA's 2025-2029 Capital Plan, is anticipated to significantly impact the finance sector, as it will elevate revenue through increased ridership and eliminate potential financial burdens for those previously excluded due to accessibility issues.
