PRINCETON, NJ — NJ Transit will make updates to improve disability access at five train stations, including Princeton Junction, as part of a settlement with federal authorities.

The agreement was announced on Tuesday by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The five train stations that will see disability improvements are Newark Penn, Princeton Junction, MetroPark, Trenton, and New Brunswick.

Under the settlement, NJ Transit must modify portions of the five rail stations and their access points, including upgrades to multiple platforms, waiting areas, parking lots and restrooms.

“For too long, people with disabilities have been deprived of equal access to intercity rail stations operated by NJ Transit," U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said. "In ways large and small, people with disabilities were denied full access to transportation services – whether it was the lack of access to restrooms, no signs, bad ramps, poor access to elevators, or that parking spaces were just too small for those who needed wheelchair access."

Sellinger gave credit to NJ Transit for swiftly recognizing deficiencies and starting work "to bring its intercity rail stations into compliance with the ADA."

Located at 2 Wallace Road, Princeton Junction train station serves passengers using Amtrak and NJ Transit along the Northeast Corridor. It has two boarding platforms and five tracks. In

parking lot 1, there are 11 out of 838 listed spaces designated accessible, which is below the required 2 percent (or 17) accessible spaces, according to Sellinger's office.

The ramp that provides access to the track 4 platform has 2-inch wide tube steel handrails that do not offer an allowable gripping profile, according to the settlement document. The handrails lack 12-inch long horizontal extensions at the top and bottom of the ramp and the ramp lacks edge protection required to minimize the possibility of wheelchair users accidentally riding off the side of the ramp.

The men's and women's restrooms were also found to be in violation of ADA standards.

For more details on the investigation and settlement agreement, click here.

(With reporting from Eric Keifer, Patch Staff)

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