Transit Workers Union, Disability Advocates Sue MTA Over Subway Booth Closures

Lawsuit alleges MTA violated public hearing requirements and failed to accommodate disabled riders

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A group led by the Transport Workers Union Local 100 has filed a lawsuit against the MTA to prevent the agency from temporarily closing subway station service booths when agents are unable to staff them due to illness or emergency. The plaintiffs argue the MTA violated state law by implementing the policy without required public hearings, and that the closures violate the city's Human Rights Law by removing personnel who assist disabled riders without providing alternatives.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing tensions between the MTA, transit workers, and disability advocates over changes to subway station operations and staffing. The lawsuit raises concerns about public transparency, rider safety, and accessibility as the MTA continues to evolve the role of station agents.

The details

The lawsuit alleges the MTA began implementing the temporary booth closure policy in January 2026 without the required public hearings. The plaintiffs argue the policy violates the state Public Authorities Law and the New York City Human Rights Law by removing station agents who help passengers with disabilities enter the system. The MTA says it provided public notice and held hearings around the time of its last contract agreement with TWU Local 100, which included changes to the agents' roles.

  • The MTA began implementing the temporary subway booth closure policy in January 2026.
  • The lawsuit was filed on March 13, 2026.

The players

Transport Workers Union Local 100

The labor union representing New York City transit workers, which is leading the legal challenge against the MTA.

Center for the Independence of the Disabled New York (CIDNY)

A disability advocacy organization that is a plaintiff in the lawsuit against the MTA.

Antonio Reynoso

The Brooklyn Borough President, who is a plaintiff in the class action lawsuit.

John Chiarello

The president of TWU Local 100, who criticized the MTA's policy as a "service cut".

Demetrius Crichlow

The president of NYC Transit, who defended the MTA's actions and said public notice and hearings were provided.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The subway system is now more unsafe by not having the eyes and ears inside the subway. Our members are the first line of defense if something happens to you.”

— John Chiarello, President, TWU Local 100 (amny.com)

“The MTA and the union agreed three years ago to new rules where station agents moved outside booths to better assist not only persons with disabilities but all New Yorkers at fare gates, payment machines and throughout the entire station.”

— Demetrius Crichlow, President, NYC Transit (amny.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to issue an injunction to prevent the MTA from implementing the temporary subway booth closures without first holding public hearings and developing a plan to accommodate disabled riders.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing tensions between the MTA, transit workers, and disability advocates over changes to subway station operations and staffing. The case raises important questions about public transparency, rider safety, and accessibility as the MTA continues to evolve the role of station agents.