Accessible Pedestrian Signals
NYC DOT's Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) are devices affixed to pedestrian signal poles to assist blind or low vision pedestrians in crossing the street. APSs are wired to a pedestrian signal and send audible and vibrotactile indications when pedestrians push a button installed at the crosswalk.
Process
Before installing an APS at an intersection, NYC DOT analyzes off-peak traffic presence, the current traffic-signal patterns and the complexity of the intersection's geometry, including crossing distance. The agency uses the National Cooperative Highway Research Program criteria and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices to evaluate and then rank each intersection under consideration, including new traffic signal installations.
Locations
Below is a list of locations equipped with APS in New York City. Request a new location to be evaluated for an APS by writing to the NYC DOT Commissioner.
Program Status Reports
As required by law, NYC DOT issues an annual report on the status of the APS program. Download the 2021 APS Program Status report (pdf) Download the 2020 APS Program Status report (pdf) Download the 2019 APS Program Status report (pdf) Download the 2018 APS Program Status report (pdf) Download the 2017 APS Program Status report (pdf) Download the 2016 APS Program Status report (pdf) Download the 2015 APS Program Status report (pdf) Download the 2014 APS Program Status report (pdf) Download the 2013 APS Program Status report (pdf) Download the 2012 APS Program Status report (pdf)
Accessible Pedestrian Signals Locations in New York City
Download the Accessible Pedestrian Signals Locations in New York City (xlsx)NYC DOT Traffic Operations Industry Day – Accessible Pedestrian Signals
NYC DOT Traffic Operations hosted a virtual Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) Industry Day on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. The focus of this Industry Day was to gather a large cohort of prospective electrical contractors and engineering design firms from around the Tri-State area and inform them of NYC DOT’s ambitious plan to increase the number of APS installations, citywide. Main topics presented included the current APS program status and statistics, court mandates, contracting processes and the future APS contract structure combining both the development of shop drawings and construction installation components. NYC DOT Traffic Operations Industry Day – Accessible Pedestrians Signals Presentation (pdf)
Previous Town Halls
NYC DOT hosted two town halls on Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) to collect public feedback and provide an opportunity for questions and answers. The first town hall was held in November 2022. The second town hall was held in December 2022.