MTA Modernizes Coney Island Subway Station Elevator

The transit authority completed a major elevator upgrade at the Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Home Renovation

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a stylized, modern glass-and-steel elevator shaft, representing improved urban subway accessibility. — The MTA completed an elevator modernization at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station, part of a broader network-wide effort to improve passenger accessibility. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Does your local transit system do enough to prioritize elevator accessibility for passengers with disabilities?

The MTA has officially opened a newly modernized elevator at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station. This project serves the nearly 9,000 riders who use the station on an average weekday.

Why it matters

The upgrade is part of a wider effort to improve subway accessibility, safety, and reliability across the transit network. It represents the 25th elevator replacement the agency has completed in 2026 alone.

The MTA currently has 164 fully accessible stations, including 49 that were retrofitted since 2020. Officials have committed nearly $7.1 billion to station accessibility under the 2025-2029 capital plan.

The players

MTA

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is the public agency responsible for public transportation in the New York City metropolitan area.

Forte Gramercy JV

This firm was responsible for the design of the elevator modernization project at the Coney Island station.

Mid-America

This company handled the physical installation of the new elevator equipment used in the renovation.

The details

Modernization efforts included a new elevator cab, pit and shaft modifications, and updated street-level glass and canopy structures. The project also integrated enhanced remote monitoring, intercoms, cameras, and fire alarm systems.

2020: The MTA began its most recent period of station accessibility improvements.
2025: The MTA previously set a record for the highest number of annual elevator replacements.
2025-2029: The agency is executing a major capital plan for infrastructure investment.
2026: The MTA reached a milestone of 25 completed elevator replacements this year.
October 29, 2026: The agency officially opened the modernized elevator at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station.

Culture Shift

The push for full subway accessibility reflects a broader societal shift toward prioritizing equitable infrastructure and universal design in aging urban transit systems. This trend moves away from legacy models that historically overlooked the needs of riders with physical disabilities.

Daily commuters at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station can expect more reliable elevator service and improved safety features. These updates directly reduce transit downtime for the thousands of riders who rely on this terminal daily.

The takeaway

The MTA’s ongoing investment reflects a commitment to scaling infrastructure accessibility across its aging station network. Riders should stay informed on local station updates as the agency works toward its goal of adding 60 more accessible stops.