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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is a public benefit corporation responsible for public transportation in New York, serving 12 counties in Downstate New York, along with two counties in southwestern Connecticut under contract to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, carrying over 11 million passengers on an average weekday systemwide, and over 850,000 vehicles on its seven toll bridges and two tunnels per weekday. MTA is the largest public transit authority in the United States.

The MTA network includes the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. It provides over 2.6 billion trips each year, accounting for about a third of the nation’s mass transit users and two-thirds its commuter rail passengers. MTA Bridges and Tunnels, which saw a record 310 million crossings in 2017, carries more vehicles than any other bridge and tunnel authority in the nation.

According to the MTA, all buses are 100 percent accessible. Many feature on-boarding ramp.

In some stations, ramps constructed prior to the adoption of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines may not meet current ADA standards for slope, landing and handrail requirements. On commuter rail lines, some ticket offices and restrooms are not accessible by wheelchair.

Jim's Comments:

Fortunately, I've never had the opportunity to ride any of the MTA buses, trains or the subway. Although apparently the buses are wheelchair accessible, I've heard many horror stories about the subway and the lack of accessible stations, restrooms and out-of-order elevators.

My research shows approximately 120 subway stations of a total of 470 stations meet ADA standards. Elevators are routinely out-of-service and wheelchair travelers are often left stranded. The city has not made persons with disabilities a priority. So unless you know exactly where you're headed and that the route is 100% reliable, I'd recommend avoiding the subway and other MTA stations.

I found a couple YouTube videos which shows the horrible status of the NYC subway system for wheelchair travelers. You should watch these before attempting a subway journey.