Travel Training in New York City
Courses, Coaching Help Disabled Ride NYC Subway, Buses in Safety
Nov 14, 2008
New York City's Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) has developed training classes to teach blind and visually impaired persons how to safely navigate the subway system. The training is conducted at the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn in a station no longer in use.
The courses, designed for those with some subway travel experience, provide:
- Detailed information on subway operations and features
- Accident prevention techniques
- An emergency procedure to follow if one falls onto the tracks
Classes are conducted in a controlled environment on Mondays, when the museum is closed. Power to the third rail is turned off and there is no train traffic in the area. Students are assisted on and off the tracks via portable stairs; transit personnel guide track exploration.
The Transit Museum is wheelchair accessible; its entrance is on the corner of Schermerhorn and Court Streets in Brooklyn Heights. Press the call button by the gate and a staff member will assist you.
Contact the Office of ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) & Code Compliance at 646.252.4307 (TTY 646-252-3050) to sign up for a training session.
Travel Training for Access-A-Ride Registrants
New York City Transit's Travel Training Program teaches the disabled to ride subways and buses. Participants must register with Access-A-Ride, NYC Transit's para-transit service.
This one-on-one training is customized to meet a traveler's needs and goals. Training time varies for each individual.
Trainers first accompany students during travel, and gradually offer less assistance as comfort levels increase to the point where students can travel independently and safely. Training includes:
- Trip planning using maps, schedules, signs, landmarks, and information services
- Identifying buses, bus stop, and subway stations, or subway at the point of origin, transfer, and destination
- Correct use of mobility aids
- Coping with service disruptions, delays, and emergencies
- Identifying appropriate sources of information or help
Contact Michael Levy (718.393.4148) or the NYC Transit, Paratransit Division to apply for training
NYC Public Transit Accessibility Resources
Accessible Stations in the MTA Network
All accessible subway stations in Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn have AutoGate, that allows those with ambulatory disabilities, a wheelchair, or a service animal to enter and exit the subway system. Check the MTA website for a list of accessible stations
Reduced-fare EasyPay Metro Card
Disabled persons can purchase a Metro Card for unlimited monthly use for half price ($40.50). Riders refill cards electronically and receive a 15-percent bonus for each $10 addition. Monthly statements are available in large print and braille. Call 877.323.7433 for details.
If you have questions or concerns about using public transportation in New York City, contact the MTA Travel Information Line for People with Disabilities at 718.596.8585 (TTY 718.596.8273.
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