New Jersey Transit is working on several projects to improve train station accessibility, but the riders who need it most say it’s not soon enough.

“The elevator and escalator are a vital part,” said commuter Stuart Reiter. He says the conditions at Hamilton Station - with escalators that have been out of service since September 2021 and July 2024 - are unacceptable.

“I use a cane sometimes,” Reiter said. “My grandson, who's in a wheelchair, it would be very difficult to get up the flight of stairs if the elevators weren't working.”

NJ Transit has awarded a $5 million contract to replace the escalators after several years. The project timeline has moved up - the new escalators should be ready in about a year.

“They had to wait for approval?" asked Retier. "How about the people with real major disabilities, where they can't take the flight of stairs up when the elevators are out?”

NJ Transit says the repairs took years because replacement parts were unavailable and the almost-30-year-old escalators were essentially obsolete. Contractors are fabricating new parts now.

“The handicap process has been in effect for more than 30 years, or close to 30 years, and they need to do better than what they're doing,” said commuter Portia Auten. “Where's our money going to?”

Auten has arthritis and uses canes or a walker to get around. She has given up on public transit.

“I'd love to ride the train just to see the surroundings, and then to get into New York and not pay that hellified amount,” Auten said.

According to the New Jersey Transit website, its bus lines are 100% accessible with lifts and ramps. They say “most” of the agency’s train stations are accessible, but there are plans to improve that, such as an $83 million 2024 grant to upgrade Brick Church Station in East Orange.