Watch CBS News

'Super Bowl Boulevard' Impacting Some Access-A-Ride Service

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Not everyone is celebrating the Super Bowl party that's shut down Broadway from 34th Street to Times Square.

As WCBS 880's Alex Silverman reported, some disabled people who depend on the MTA's Access-A-Ride service are complaining that Super Bowl Boulevard means they're going nowhere.

Joan Rivera takes an Access-A-Ride van to work every day from her home in Brooklyn to her office on 35th Street near Broadway.

Super Bowl Boulevard Impacting Some Access-A-Ride Service

Over the weekend, she said she got a call telling her no rides would be provided this week because of Super Bowl Boulevard, stretching from 34th to 47th streets.

Super Bowl Boulevard opens on Wednesday in Times Square and will feature free attractions, including concerts and skill games.

When she pleaded, she says the dispatcher offered a dropoff a full avenue away.

"I'm 81 years old, I walk with a cane and they act like it was nothing," said Rivera. "I couldn't possibly negotiate that area or any area at that hour of the day. She said that's all we can offer you."

EXTRA: Guide To Super Bowl XLVIII

Helene Kurzrok had the same conversation.

"I can't walk, and she says 'well, it's your problem,'" she told Silverman. "I get very scared because I'm disabled."

Kurzrok said she'll do what she has to because she's afraid she'll be fired if she misses work.

Rivera said she's very thankful that her office was understanding of the situation.

"I got a call last night from my office manager and she said to me 'don't you dare walk out in the kind of a situation. I don't want to be responsible,'" she told Silverman.

She will not have to worry about getting in to work this week.

"I don't begrudge anybody to have a good time at the Super Bowl or anything else. But not when it's going to hurt those of us who cannot help ourselves," Rivera said.

The MTA in a statement told WCBS 880 it's doing its best to coordinate with the 26 impacted Access-A-Ride customers.

Even though the cross streets are still open, the MTA said it has to coordinate drop-offs around frozen zones.

The temporary service disruption is not affecting medically necessary trips.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.