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Passengers with disabilities at the Poughkeepsie Train Station in New York are facing significant challenges due to multiple broken elevators. The elevator serving the station's busiest tracks, Track 1 and Track 3, has been out of service for several months, leaving many unable to access Metro-North trains. Additionally, an elevator in the station's parking garage, managed by LAZ Parking, is also broken, further complicating access for those with mobility issues.
According to Mid-Hudson News, Metro-North employees have reported that the broken elevators pose safety risks. Staff members have been asked to carry wheelchair users down stairs to reach outbound trains on Track 1 and Track 3, which creates serious safety concerns. For inbound trains, conductors notify station personnel if a passenger uses a wheelchair, and staff attempt to reroute the train to Track 2, the only track with a working elevator. If rerouting is not possible, conductors must carry the passenger and their wheelchair from the platform up the stairs to the main level.
Metro-North officials have acknowledged the issue and are working to resolve it as quickly as possible. However, no specific timeline has been provided for when the elevators will be operational again, leaving commuters in limbo. The ongoing elevator malfunctions highlight the critical need for accessible public transportation and reliable infrastructure maintenance.
The situation at Poughkeepsie is not isolated. Similar issues have been reported at the Peekskill Metro-North station, where Westchester News Today reports that wheelchair users are also being carried up stairs due to a malfunctioning elevator. This has raised accessibility concerns for residents relying on public transit in Westchester County.
Metro-North's commitment to resolving these issues is crucial for ensuring mobility for all passengers. As the community awaits repairs, local authorities must prioritize solutions that enhance accessibility and safety for everyone.