New York's highest subway station gets elevators after 'Everest' climb complaints

The 27-meter high Smith-9th Street station in Brooklyn has been a nightmare for commuters due to frequently broken escalators, leading to comparisons of climbing Mount Everest.

New York officials recently announced plans to install elevators at the 27-meter high Smith-9th Street subway station in Gowanus, Brooklyn. This station is the highest in the city and one of the highest in the world, considering its elevation above street level. Typical subway stations are around 10 to 15 meters high.

Built in 1933, the Smith-9th Street station originally had no elevators. Escalators were installed during a major renovation 10 years ago, but they frequently malfunction.

"Every day, New Yorkers climb the stairs at this station as if they are summiting Mount Everest, struggling to catch their train," New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes said in the August announcement about the elevator installation.

"If you are in a wheelchair, pushing a stroller, carrying luggage, or simply have difficulty climbing stairs, you are out of luck. That is finally going to change," Gounardes added.

A train arrives at the Smith-9th Street station, the highest subway station in New York. Photo: AP

A train arrives at the Smith-9th Street station, the highest subway station in New York. Photo: AP

State Senator Jo Anne Simon, who represents the Gowanus area, echoed the sentiment: "Climbing the highest station in the MTA system shouldn't be a test of endurance."

The station was built high above ground to accommodate boat traffic passing under the 9th Street Bridge on the Gowanus Canal.

Francis Brown, president of the Red Hook Houses East Residents Association, emphasized the immense benefit the elevators will bring to seniors living in nearby buildings.

Mario Nieto, a local resident with mobility issues, explained that she has no choice but to travel in the opposite direction to the Jay Street-MetroTech station because Smith-9th Street is too high. "For us, it's not an option. We can't climb up there," Nieto said.

The Smith-9th Street station, the highest in New York, located in Brooklyn. Photo: NYP

"This station is our connection to the rest of the city, to jobs, schools, doctors, and more," Brown said. "But the climb to the platform becomes a barrier instead of a bridge."

Angel Rolden, who uses a cane and commutes daily from Smith-9th Street, said it takes him 20 minutes to climb the stairs to the platform.

The Smith-9th Street elevator project is included in the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)'s 2025-2029 capital plan. Specific details about the construction timeline and contractors have not yet been released.

Other Brooklyn stations slated for elevator installations include: Court Street, Hoyt-Schermerhorn, 36th Street, and 4th Ave-9th Street.