A transit headache had straphangers upset until NY1 For You stepped in. NY1's Susan Jhun filed the following report.
Riders at the Dekalb Avenue station finally got the lift they need. The only elevator bringing straphangers to the subway entrance is up and running again.
Two weeks ago, NY1 for You told viewers about the elevator being out of service since October. Climbing two flights of stairs was an huge inconvenience to some riders.
"I have problems walking up and down the steps, and I look for stations with elevators, and I’m very disappointed at my age," said rider June Jack. "They have no consideration for the elderly."
"I see people in wheelchairs, ladies with baby carriage. Sometimes, I volunteer. I give them a hand upstairs," said Henry Darden, who works in the neighborhood.
"This is frequently used by elderly people and disabled people, and it’s an inconvenience for them to use it," said rider Angel Cruz.
An MTA spokeswoman told us the elevator was originally taken out of service to replace a pipe that runs under the platform. A private contractor with special certification was required to do the job, and the spokeswoman said the MTA was in the processing of hiring one.
Now, the elevator is working, and many riders are relieved.
"It’s a convenient thing to have, and it’s good that it’s finally working again," says rider Aishah Sykes.
"I have pain in my knees. I have arthritis. And an elevator is a real, it’s very important for me to get to work," says rider Gene Sentell.
"It’s so nice when you’re over 70 to not have to climb up four or five flights of stairs, especially in the cold weather," says rider Joanna Hoffmann. "So it’s really very pleasant. I’m so happy it’s fixed."