New upgrades are coming to the Middletown train station in the Bronx.
Middletown Road is one of two train stations in the Bronx that can expect new elevators.
“The elderly deserve that. Walking up the steps is dangerous. They could hurt themselves badly,” said Fendi, from Pelham Bay.
This upgrade is part of the MTA’s plan to make stations more accessible.
“I take this train everyday and going up and down the steps is a drag,” said Avril, Pelham Bay.
Right now, the 6 train line in the Bronx has three stations with an elevator, and travelers say this upgrade is overdue.
“I feel like a lot of all these stations should've done that, they shouldn’t have waited this long,” said Fendi, Pelham Bay.
With a lack of accessibility, travelers are forced to take the bus to get to another station.
“They need somewhere to get up and down instead of having to go two and three stations down,” said Avril, of Pelham Bay.
Burnside Avenue and Middletown Road stations can expect improved stair and updated fare payment areas in this $254 million accessibility package said MTA representative in a press conference on Dec. 12.
“Funding from the federal government, congestion pricing and the next 2025 capital plan which is the reason we are able to make these transformative investments,” said Jamie Torres Springer, president of MTA Construction and Development.
While travelers are happy about the upgrades, they do not want what comes with it.
“I'm not looking forward to the construction part,” said Avril, of Pelham Bay.
Work on these upgrades are set to begin in February 2025 and be completed by early 2029.