Elevator Coming to NYC’s Tallest Subway Station

For subway commuters in Brooklyn, relief is on the way.

The tallest metro station in New York City will finally get an elevator, which means the end of that grueling 90-foot climb—something that has been compared to “climbing Mount Everest.”

Smith 9th Avenue station, which services the F and G trains, is slated for this upgrade as part of the MTA’s planning for 2025 to 2029.

“Every day, New Yorkers tackle the stairs here like they’re on a mountain expedition, just trying to catch their train,” said state Senator Andrew Gounardes during an announcement on August 8th.

He added, “For those using wheelchairs or pushing strollers, it’s a real struggle. It’s tough to manage luggage, and let’s be honest, climbing those stairs is not an easy feat. When the elevator arrives at Smith 9th Avenue, that will actually change.”

Although it’s unclear when the installation will start or its total cost, funding will come from the MTA’s extensive $68.4 billion capital plan, which aims to add elevators to over 60 stations.

Despite a complete overhaul a decade ago, Smith 9th Avenue still only has escalators. State legislator Joe Anne Simon pointed out that this has been a “long, broken history.”

“Back in 2013, the MTA wasn’t particularly keen on installing elevators,” she recalled, noting the station’s century-old structure. “Climbing the highest station in the system shouldn’t feel like an endurance test. I’m glad to see the MTA making accessibility a priority, especially at challenging stations like this one.”

Other Brooklyn stations set to receive elevator upgrades include Court Street, Wythenshawe, 36th Avenue, and 4th to 9th Avenues.

The planned improvements will enhance accessibility at over half of the stations that are currently ADA compliant.

By a 2023 court settlement, the MTA must meet a 95% ADA accessibility benchmark for all stations by 2055.

“No station highlights the need for accessibility more than Smith 9th Street, the tallest point in the entire metro system,” remarked Quemuel Arroyo, the MTA’s Chief Accessibility Officer.

Francis Brown, president of the Red Hook Houses East Resident Association, expressed optimism about the project benefiting seniors in the surrounding public housing.

“This station connects us to jobs, schools, and doctors in other areas,” Brown noted.

Karen Blondel, who leads the Red Hook Houses West Resident Association, also shared her thoughts on the necessity of these changes.