Disabled Riders File Lawsuit Against MTA Over Service Cuts
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Disabled New Yorkers are suing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority over the massive service cuts that were enacted earlier this summer.
The cuts to 89 bus lines and Access-A-Ride are forcing riders to travel greater distances or to use the subway system.
The disabled plaintiffs say they are unable to do either.
They say the subway stations often have broken or no elevators, and the gap between the platform and the trains are too wide for them to cross.
The suit alleges the MTA is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by not providing service to the disabled that's comparable to non-disabled people:
"This lawsuit demonstrates how out of touch the MTA is with the riding public. I hope this teaches everyone a lesson," said plaintiff Anthony Trocchia. "When you're disabled, you may regard it as a compromised existence, but you're still an individual who has desires, who has responsibilities, who has obligations, and you don't want to be counted out of the game."
The MTA said it does not comment on pending litigation.