NJ Transit Agrees To Improve Disability Access At Newark Penn: Feds

NEWARK, NJ — NJ Transit has agreed to make updates to improve access for people with disabilities at five of its busiest train stations, including Newark Penn, as part of a settlement with federal authorities.

The agreement – announced on Tuesday – also includes Princeton Junction, MetroPark, Trenton and New Brunswick, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Under the settlement, NJ Transit must modify multiple portions of the five rail stations and their access points, including upgrades to multiple platforms, waiting areas, parking lots and restrooms.

“For too long, people with disabilities have been deprived of equal access to intercity rail stations operated by NJ Transit,” U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said. “In ways large and small, people with disabilities were denied full access to transportation services – whether it was the lack of access to restrooms, no signs, bad ramps, poor access to elevators, or that parking spaces were just too small for those who needed wheelchair access.”

Sellinger added that – “to their credit,” – NJ Transit has “swiftly” recognized these deficiencies and already begun to bring its intercity rail stations into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

• See related article: 4 Newark Light Rail Stations Aren't Accessible. Study Aims For Change
• See related article: Newark Airport Rail Station Violated Disability Law, Feds Say

NEWARK PENN

Newark Penn Station is located at 1 Raymond Plaza West. It serves passengers using NJ Transit and Amtrak and trains along the Northeast Corridor.

See the list of alleged issues that were found during an investigation here, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office:

“NJ Transit is responsible for the station structure and the platforms at the Newark Penn Station. The station is comprised of six boarding platforms and eight tracks. NJ Transit represents that the platforms and tracks are owned by Amtrak and/or the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. NJ Transit owns the land underneath Newark Penn and leases the building known as Newark Penn Station from Newark/Penn Station Associates. Newark Penn has accessible elevators that serve each of the train platforms from the Raymond Boulevard Concourse.”

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