"Columbia University will fund the construction of wider escalators and a single elevator to connect the street to the station's mezzanine, while the MTA will cover the cost of the two elevators connecting the mezzanine with the northbound and southbound platforms."
"MTA sources did not provide a price tag for the project, but in 2024, then-Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine estimated the cost of a mezzanine-to-street elevator at $50 to $100 million, which is higher than Columbia's contribution."
"The MTA has pledged to make 70 percent of subway trips take place to or from accessible stations as part of its 2025-2029 capital plan, but some disability advocates have criticized that pace as too slow."
"Right now, barely over a quarter of subway stations are elevator accessible, with Uptown Manhattan having especially limited access, including the 116th Street stop at Columbia's main campus."
Columbia University will contribute $33 million for wider escalators and one elevator at the 1 train station beneath its new residential hall. The MTA will fund the remaining two elevators connecting the mezzanine to the platforms. Columbia previously sought public funding for enhancements but is now complying with a law requiring developers to collaborate with the MTA. Design work will start this year, with construction expected to begin by 2028, as the MTA aims for increased accessibility in subway stations.
Read at Streetsblog New York City
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