Commute isn’t the hard part—getting around NYC is
A New Jersey man who uses a wheelchair says even with a direct train ride, unreliable elevators and inaccessible taxis turn a routine trip into a daily challenge.
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For many commuters, getting into New York City is just another part of the daily routine. But for Jimmy Collins, the real challenge begins after the train ride ends.
Collins, who has been paralyzed from the chest down since he was 19, commutes from New Jersey into Manhattan using the Raritan Valley Line. While the trip may seem straightforward, every step requires planning and patience.
At the station, his commute starts like anyone else’s: waiting on the platform. But boarding the train looks different. A conductor places a bridge plate to help him roll on, adding an extra step to what many take for granted.
Collins says accessibility played a major role in where he chose to live.
“They are pretty good about letting you know which stations are accessible and which aren’t,” he said. “We did a lot of research before we moved here and picked Somerville because it has an accessible station.”
Still, not every stop along the route meets those standards. On the Raritan Valley Line, 9 of the 22 stations are ADA accessible, creating limitations for riders who rely on elevators and ramps.
Even at accessible stations, timing can make or break the commute.
“If you don’t catch the elevator right away, you’re going to miss the connection,” Collins explained. “Then you’re waiting around for the next train, which is an hour.”
After more than an hour on the train, Collins arrives in New York City, but the obstacles don’t end there.
Navigating the station means finding working elevators and accessible exits. On this day, he’s able to locate one without issue, but that’s not always the case.
“Getting into the city — that’s the easy part,” Collins said. “It’s direct, no transfers. But even along the way, there are things that can slow you down.”
Once outside, Collins calls for an accessible cab using the Curb app. After waiting 10 minutes, the driver is unable to find him.
Plan B: Flagging down a cab on the street.
But even that comes with complications. One taxi marked as accessible has a broken lift.
“If I were someone who really needed to use the ramp and couldn’t finesse, I’d have to wait for another cab,” he said. “And this happens on a frequent basis.”
Instead, Collins pulls himself into the front seat, making do with what’s available.
Despite the daily challenges, Collins continues to make the commute, hoping that one day navigating the city will become more reliable for everyone.
