Quemuel Arroyo, a Dominican born in Bonao, was named as the de first director of accessibility of all Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) agencies in New York, United States.
At the age of 31, his goal is to be the advocate for travelers with disabilities in the Big Apple as Arroyo operates at the top ranks of the city’s public transportation system.
The officer experiences firsthand the difficulties faced by people with physical disabilities or reduced mobility who have to move around the city.
The MTA’s Director of Accessibility spoke to Listín Diario journalists about all of his plans and objectives in his new role.
LD: Everything is work and sacrifice in life What has your personal, professional and work process been like to become MTA’s first Director of Accessibility?
Q: I’ve had several setbacks and personal issues, now I’m in a wheelchair due to an accident I had 13 years ago while riding a mountain bike “mountain biking”, but like all Hispanics I keep going and life doesn’t stop. I always say that we are the ones who set the limits. You want it, then you get it.
As for academics, I studied urban design from New York University (NYU), I have a masters degree in Public Administration from NYU.
I worked for the United States government in New York City in the Department of Transportation for six years.
I spent the last year in a startup that I started with some friends, it was a new micromobility transportation company bringing electric scooters and chargers to Paris, Atlanta and California for them, but I needed the government for the size of it 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 to access the transportation system in New York State.
LD: What do you want to achieve with this new leadership position?
VA: One of my goals is to give access to anyone who needs public transportation, but more than that is to improve the system and that any New Yorker or visitor can access public transportation regardless of their physical condition. Whether it is a mother or father with a car, a person in a wheelchair, an elderly person who cannot or does not want to pedal, have access to a lift if they need it.
LD: How did you feel when you heard about your promotion?
QA: I felt super happy because this is a huge opportunity, it’s the first time the MTA has nominated someone for this rank.
The MTA is super big, it not only impacts New York but Connecticut, the system has more than 69,000 employees, we process billions of dollars annually and for me it is a total honor to be on the board of directors to decide the priorities of the organization. Which means that the decisions we make here every day affect the daily life and experience of New Yorkers.
I work for those New Yorkers who don’t have the ability to work from home, my job is for the minority who have to catch the train and have some difficulties, I’m 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: Which projects do you want to realize or do you plan to register with the MTA in the short term?
QA: In the short term, I want to continue to expand the work that the MTA has done with the installations of new elevators to make projects faster and more efficient.
In addition to elevators, there are many handicaps 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 technological advancements allow these people to have a better experience with the transportation system.
How can I effectively give information to a person who is deaf or partially sighted and who cannot see the information or a screen? For these people, I try to devise and track down technological advancements that can help me provide the information they need.
LD: How do you see long-term transport mobility for people with disabilities?
VA: From age 4 to 5, I would like a passenger leaving John F. Kennedy Airport to have full phone access to know where the nearest elevator is or how to purchase his ticket without worry. That the user can independently explore how to travel by public transport around Times Square, Brooklyn or the Bronx and go where he wants, when he wants and when he can.
LD: Are you planning to take your knowledge to other foreign countries?
Q: I work for New York and my priority is to make sure this city is the best city in the world where New Yorkers and all visitors can enjoy all that the city has to offer.
I love to contribute new ideas and new methods about the accessibility of public transport everywhere.
LD: What message are you sending to all Hispanics living in the United States and the Dominican Republic?
A message to all Hispanics in both the United States and the Dominican Republic is that it is an honor for me to be Dominican, I am proud of our culture and our roots but most of all in this new position it is an honor to be our culture and have a responsibility to improve the lives of New York’s transport users.
I hope you stay tuned that what I’m saying has been done as I need that support to make sure I’m doing the work that all users need.