The aging infrastructure at New York City's Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street subway station is taking a toll on commuters, particularly those with disabilities. The platform, which serves the end of the Rockaway shuttle line, has become so dilapidated that nearly half of it has been fenced off, forcing riders to navigate multiple cars just to exit their trains.
According to an internal MTA memo obtained by Gothamist, the issue dates back to October and requires transit workers to escort passengers on rear cars into the front five cars in order for them to reach the platform. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the station's platform itself is beginning to collapse, with a significant gap forming between the regular platform and the crumbling section.
While the MTA claims that the platform poses "no safety risk," transit workers are growing increasingly concerned about its stability. If the platform were to collapse, officials fear it could lead to a shutdown of the entire station, leaving commuters stranded during peak summer hours when more full-length trains operate.
The Rockaway Park station is particularly troublesome for those who rely on public transportation, given its accessibility issues. The station, like many others in the Rockaways, lacks ramps and elevators, exacerbating the difficulties faced by residents with disabilities. According to a 2023 report from state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's office, the area has one of the city's largest shares of disabled residents, but access to reliable public transportation remains a significant challenge.
As the summer season approaches, the MTA has promised to fix the issue by spring, citing warmer weather as the catalyst for repairs. However, many are left wondering when this will be accomplished and how it will impact commuters who rely on the station.
According to an internal MTA memo obtained by Gothamist, the issue dates back to October and requires transit workers to escort passengers on rear cars into the front five cars in order for them to reach the platform. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the station's platform itself is beginning to collapse, with a significant gap forming between the regular platform and the crumbling section.
While the MTA claims that the platform poses "no safety risk," transit workers are growing increasingly concerned about its stability. If the platform were to collapse, officials fear it could lead to a shutdown of the entire station, leaving commuters stranded during peak summer hours when more full-length trains operate.
The Rockaway Park station is particularly troublesome for those who rely on public transportation, given its accessibility issues. The station, like many others in the Rockaways, lacks ramps and elevators, exacerbating the difficulties faced by residents with disabilities. According to a 2023 report from state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's office, the area has one of the city's largest shares of disabled residents, but access to reliable public transportation remains a significant challenge.
As the summer season approaches, the MTA has promised to fix the issue by spring, citing warmer weather as the catalyst for repairs. However, many are left wondering when this will be accomplished and how it will impact commuters who rely on the station.
. I mean, come on, a collapsing platform? That's just reckless. And don't even get me started on the lack of ramps and elevators - it's like they expect people with disabilities to just magically navigate the whole thing by themselves 
. Like, no way, MTA needs to get its act together ASAP. All these promises about fixing it by spring? Give me a break 
. We need concrete solutions, not vague promises from the MTA 
.
, like, have u ever tried to navigate that platform with a cane or wheelchair? its already bad enough without the added stress of knowing its gonna collapse anytime soon...anyway, kudos to transit workers who are having to essentially become human shields just to keep ppl safe 
.
! I'm literally stuck on the subway every day and now I gotta navigate through multiple cars to even get off? That's crazy talk! And don't even get me started on the disabled folks – it's like, come on MTA, how hard is it to install some ramps or elevators?! The fact that this station is basically falling apart is just ridiculous 
. Spring, huh? Like that's gonna happen... I'm so over waiting for repairs 
. And don't even get me started on the accessibility issues – it's like they're intentionally trying to make life harder for people with disabilities 
. The fact that half of the platform is fenced off already is a safety nightmare, and now we're supposed to navigate multiple cars just to exit? It's just ridiculous 
. And what's with the 'catalyst' excuse? Just fix it already! 
Spring 2025 can't come soon enough 
.
i mean, MTA claims its stable but transit workers are getting worried, what if it collapses? 
ppl r gonna be stuck during peak hours. 