Jonathan Sperling

Advocates for people with disabilities have launched a federal lawsuit against the MTA, stating that the agency continues to violate the Americans with Disabilities Act by renovating subway stations without installing elevators or other stair-free routes.

The nonprofit legal group Disability Rights Advocates filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of three plaintiffs from around the city, as well as several organizations for people with disabilities.

The plaintiffs contend that the MTA constructed a new staircase connecting a station mezzanine to the street at the 30th Avenue subway station in Astoria without providing stair-free access, causing individuals with disabilities to risk injury when entering stations.

“The MTA’s actions clearly demonstrate that they value amenities like Wi-Fi over serving passengers with disabilities,” said Michelle Caiola, DRA’s managing director of litigation.

“MTA has a longstanding pattern of ignoring their ADA obligations when altering stations, harming not only those with disabilities, but all New Yorkers who benefit from elevator access, including parents with strollers and senior citizens. Its disregard and negligence should no longer be tolerated,” Caiola continued.

Lisa Forsee, a Long Island City resident who uses a walker, walking cart or two canes for mobility, is one of the plaintiffs named in the lawsuit. Forsee used to live off of the Roosevelt Island subway station, which is accessible. She moved to Long Island City after securing affordable housing.