Quemuel Arroyo, a Dominican born in Bonao, was named in early February as the first director of accessibility from all Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) agencies in New York, United States.
At 31, his goal is to be the advocate for travelers with disabilities in the Big Apple, as Arroyo operates within the upper ranks of the city’s transit system.
The civil servant experiences firsthand the difficulties faced by people with physical disabilities or reduced mobility who need to move in the city.
The MTA’s director of accessibility spoke with journalists from Listín Diario about all his plans and objectives in his new position.
LD: Everything is work and sacrifice in life. What has been your personal, professional and work process to become the first director of accessibility of MTA?
QA: I have had several setbacks and personal difficulties, now I am in a wheelchair due to an accident that I had while riding a mountain bike 13 years ago, but like all Hispanics I keep going and life does not stop. I always say that we are the ones who set the limits. You want it then you get it.
Academically, I studied Urban Design at New York University (NYU), I have a Master’s in Public Administration from NYU.
I have worked for the United States Government in New York City for six years in the Department of Transportation.
I spent the last year in a startup that I started with some friends, it was a new company in micromobility transport taking electric scooters and chargers for them to Paris, Atlanta and California but I needed the government for the magnitude of changing lives and improving the experience for New Yorkers and visitors.
At MTA, we work with over 1 million New Yorkers who need this accessibility and this little help in order to access the transportation system in New York State.
LD: What do you want to achieve with this new managerial position?
QA: One of my goals is to give access to everyone who needs public transportation service, but greater than that, is to improve the system and that every New Yorker or visitor can have access to the public transportation system regardless of any physical condition they may have. Whether it is a mother or father with a car, a person in a wheelchair, an elderly person who cannot or wants to climb stairs, have access to an elevator when they need it.
LD: When you found out about your promotion, how did you feel?
QA: I felt super happy because this is a huge opportunity, it is the first time that the MTA has appointed a person for this rank.
The MTA is super big, it has an impact not only in New York, but also in Connecticut, the system has over 69,000 employees, we handle billions of dollars annually and for me it is a total honor to be on the board of directors deciding the priorities of the organization. Which means that the decisions we make here every day, influences the day-to-day life and experience of New Yorkers.
I work for those New Yorkers who do not have the opportunity to work from home, my work is for the minority who have to catch a train and have some difficulties, I am here to improve the system and be a voice for those people who do not have a voice or vote. I am here for them.
LD: What are the projects you want to achieve or do you plan to apply in the short term at the MTA?
QA: In the short term I want to continue expanding the work that the MTA has done with the installations of new elevators, to advance projects to be carried out faster and more efficiently.
In addition to elevators there are many disabilities that are invisible, many people who do not have the ability to swipe a card to enter the subway or pay for their tickets. I think that through technological advances these people can have a better experience in the transportation system.
How can I effectively give information to a person who is deaf or visually impaired who cannot see the information or a screen? for these people I am trying to think and trace technological advances that can facilitate me provide the information they need.
LD: How do you view long-term transport mobility for people with disabilities?
QA: From 4 to 5 years, I would like a passenger leaving the John F. Kennedy airport to have full access by phone, to know where the closest elevator is or how to buy their ticket without having to worry. That the user can independently investigate how to use public transport to get around Times Square, Brooklyn or the Bronx and go where they want, when they want and when they can.
LD: Do you plan to take your knowledge to other foreign lands?
QA: I work for New York and my priority is to make sure that this city is the best city in the world, where New Yorkers and all visitors can be provided with the ability to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
I love providing new ideas and new methods on the accessibility of public transportation everywhere.
LD: What message do you send to all Hispanics residing in the United States and in the Dominican Republic?
A message for all Hispanics both in the United States and in the Dominican Republic is that it is an honor for me to be Dominican, I am proud of our culture and our roots but above all in this new position it is an honor to represent our culture and have responsibility to improve the lives of New York’s transportation users.
I hope you stay tuned that what I am saying is done, because I need that support to ensure that I am doing the work that all users need.
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