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A group of Disabled New
Yorkers blasted the MTA yesterday, charging the agency failed to maintain
handicap-accessible subway stations in
Manhattan.
Flanked by advocates for
the disabled, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer
released a report contending that 78% of station elevators in
Manhattan
did not receive mandated annual inspections between 2002-2005.
"The MTA shows a lack of commitment to people with disabilities," said
Stringer.
Standing in front of the
elevator at the W.Fourth St.
station yesterday afternoon, Stringer cited that
location as a prime example of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's
lack of consideration for the disabled community.
"From August 2005 to December 2005, this elevator was not operational for a
single day," he said. "This is discrimination against a population."
Michael Harris, campaign coordinator for the Disabled Riders Coalition, and
members of other advocacy groups railed against the agency.
"It is inexcusable that
the MTA cannot fully maintain the elevators they have now," said Harris,
stating there are only 53 stations with elevators in
Manhattan.
"This is an abomination to the city."
Stringer's
report outlined what he called necessary improvements, such as inspection and
repair of accessible stations, increased assistance to riders and
representation for people with disabilities on the New York City Transit
Advisory Council.
"It's time for the MTA to actually do something for the disabled community,"
said Stringer.
Harris described the feeling of many disabled commuters.
"The disabled want to ride the railroad, and instead we are being railroaded
by the MTA."
A spokesman for the MTA
said the agency had not yet seen the report and would have no comment.
Originally published on
August 7, 2006
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