US$686 Million for Elevators and Other Transit Upgrades

An anticipated US$686 million in federal funding to improve accessibility at older transit stations nationwide is now a reality, with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) announcing on December 19 that 15 grants in nine states will be funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The grant money represents the first round of funding from the All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP), aimed at providing reliable access for those using wheelchairs, living with mobility issues or pushing strollers. Selected ASAP projects include the NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which will receive US$254 million to make four subway stations in the Bronx and Brooklyn accessible; the Chicago Transit Authority, which will receive US$118 million for work at three stations; and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, which will receive US$56 million to make a key station — the 11th Street subway station — fully accessible.