Wheelchair Accessibility in New York: Is the City Accessible?

First, I want to mention that I wrote this article based on advice from several wheelchair users, starting with Manue who gave me a detailed report of her trip. Thank you all for your help in sharing your experience!

Subway: accessibility varies by station

• The New York subway still has work to do on accessibility. Not all stations have elevators yet, so you’ll need to check the subway map to see if you can reach the platforms. Look for the blue wheelchair symbol on the map.
• The MTA, New York’s transit authority, is working to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. Major Manhattan stations now have elevators, including Grand Central, Times Square, Hudson Yards, World Trade Center, South Ferry, and Union Square.
• Keep in mind: accessible platforms don’t always mean it’s easy to board the train. Manue pointed out that she couldn’t take the subway because of a 10 cm (4 in) step between the platform and the car. If you don’t speak English, you may not know if there’s a ramp available. The solution is to wait in the middle of the platform so the station attendant can see you. They can then help you board if needed.

Buses: accessible but slow

• Good news for the Big Apple: all New York buses have removable ramps to allow wheelchair users to board. During your stay, you’ll notice drivers regularly get out to help people with disabilities get on or off.
• The main drawback of buses in New York is that trips can be very long due to traffic. I’d recommend taking the bus for short distances, especially to cross Manhattan east to west.

Taxis: look for wheelchair-accessible cabs

• If you want to get around New York quickly, taxis are your best option. They’re more expensive than the subway or bus, but much more convenient for wheelchair users. A taxi picks you up and drops you off wherever you need to go.
• Not all New York taxis are wheelchair-accessible—only newer models are equipped, particularly Nissan vans. To identify an accessible taxi, look for the logo on the hood. See the example in the photo below.

Hotels: request an accessible room

• All New York hotels comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, adopted in 1990. You’ll have no trouble finding ramps and elevators.
• Most hotels have a number of rooms specially adapted for people with disabilities. Doorways are wider for easy wheelchair access, and bathrooms are adapted. To get an accessible room, make sure to notify the hotel in advance. In English, ask for an Accessible guestroom.

Museums and landmarks: fully accessible

• Like hotels, New York’s museums and landmarks also follow the Americans with Disabilities Act. New York museums are always fully accessible, with ramps or elevators. The same goes for observatories, the Empire State Building, One World Observatory, and Top of the Rock.
• One exception: wheelchair users cannot access the pedestal or crown of the Statue of Liberty. This historic monument is too narrow to adapt. The good news: the Statue of Liberty Museum moved out of the pedestal in May 2019 into a brand-new, fully accessible building.

On the streets: move with care

• New York’s sidewalks are far more wheelchair-friendly than those in many European cities. At every street corner, you’ll find a small ramp that makes it easy to cross streets. “The sidewalks are much more accessible than in France,” Manue points out.
• That said, people with disabilities I spoke with offered two cautions. First, watch out for pedestrians and always stay to the right side of the sidewalk. New Yorkers tend to walk fast, so be careful of collisions, especially in crowded areas like Times Square or the Brooklyn Bridge. Second, be careful when it rains. The ramps at the end of sidewalks can turn into large puddles, which can make things a bit trickier.

What about New Yorkers?

• In general, New Yorkers are always helpful to people with disabilities. If you run into trouble, don’t hesitate to ask the people around you.
• A tip from Manue: don’t be afraid to start a conversation! “Because my wheelchair is unusual, New Yorkers would approach me,” she says.
• If you’ve been to New York, share your experience by leaving a comment below. It will help future travelers. Thanks for your feedback!