New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced the appointment of Quemuel Arroyo as the first all-agency chief accessibility officer.

Arroyo will have primary responsibility for all matters pertaining to accessibility, with an emphasis on deploying technology solutions that can be used by both New York City Transit and the commuter railroads. He will also work to expand public awareness around what constitutes a disability and the various ways in which different disabilities can impact transit riders.

"Quemuel is immensely talented and will provide invaluable strategic guidance and leadership on a range of accessibility related endeavors," said MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick Foye. "The MTA has made critical strides on accessibility issues in recent years, particularly in the realm of expanding the number of accessible subway stations throughout the system and launching innovative pilots that facilitate access to our system for all riders, but we still have much work to be done. Quemuel will help us think more holistically about what accessibility looks like across the system and advance and execute core goals."

Arroyo previously served in a similar capacity at the New York City Department of Transportation and most recently was interim president and global head of community for GetCharged Inc, overseeing strategic partnerships and government relations.