NYC Transit hires first-ever accessibility chief

New York City Transit President Andy Byford announced the appointment of the agency’s first-ever systemwide accessibility chief, tasked with overseeing and implementing the Fast Forward Plan initiative to expand accessibility to subway and bus customers, as well as improve Access-A-Ride service.

Longtime accessibility advocate Alex Elegudin will be MTA NYC Transit’s first sr. advisor for systemwide accessibility, an executive-level position reporting directly to Byford. His first day on the job will be Monday, June 25.

“Advancing the cause of accessibility is one of my top priorities and Elegudin’s new role will pull together all of our accessibility-related work streams, touching all Fast Forward projects, and all NYC Transit departments,” Byford said.

“I'm incredibly excited to be joining President Byford's executive team,” Elegudin said. “The vision set forth in the 'Fast Forward' plan will make NYC Transit work better for New Yorkers of all abilities, with a strong emphasis on improving accessibility quickly. I look forward to being a part of making the plan a reality and helping to make New York City the most accessible city in the world.”