MTA Expands Successful Convo Program for Live ASL Interpretation at Subway, Metro-North, and LIRR Stations

Pilot Transforms How Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Riders Use the Transit System

Convo Now Available at All 30 Customer Service Centers Throughout the Subway System

Service Improves Communication and Enhances Personal Connections Between Users and MTA Staff

See Video of the Convo Pilot

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the expansion of a pilot program to connect people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing with an instant and on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter while using the transit system. Convo is a mobile smartphone and web-based application that allows users to scan a QR code, connect with a live interpreter and chat with an MTA employee about service changes, payment, or anything regarding their journey.

Since the pilot, which is free to use for all customers, began in February 2025, users have reported enhanced personal connections, a reduction in time per service interaction and more natural conversations with transit staff. 425 calls were made across the MTA, totaling over 1,750 minutes of conversations between ASL users and MTA employees. The most used locations were 3 Stone Street and Penn Station, with most users reporting they used the service for navigation questions and enrolling in Reduced Fare OMNY.

"A huge part of making the transit system accessible is ensuring riders who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing can easily communicate with MTA employees," said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. "In addition to navigation and service questions, customers can use Convo to learn how to sign up for programs like Reduced Fare OMNY."

"We built Convo so that connecting with transit staff would be effortless: just scan a QR code and go," said Convo CEO Amanda Montgomery. "The incredible activation numbers at our initial transit stations show this level of convenience is exactly what riders need. As we expand this partnership across the subway, LIRR, and Metro-North, we are proud to work alongside the MTA to build a transit experience where every rider feels seen, understood, and welcomed."

"BILS is thrilled to hear about the expansion of the MTA Convo Access Pilot," said Bronx Independent Living Services Executive Director Brett Eisenberg. "The individuals we serve every day have been part of the initial pilot and are excited for its' expansion. We believe in full accessibility for all and advocate every day for solutions that create a more inclusive society. This solution allows individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing to get the information they need in real time and is a solution we need for our community. We thank the MTA for including us in their pilot and look forward to providing feedback and participating in the expansion of this vital new service."

The Convo Pilot Expansion will run through at least Spring 2027. Customers can visit the MTA website to learn more. Users can submit questions or feedback through the Customer Feedback Form or email [email protected].

Convo will be available at the following locations:

Subway - Customer Service Centers

• 3 Av-149 St *
• 14 St-Union Square *
• 34 St-Penn Station *
• 36 St *
• 59 St-Columbus Circle *
• 96 St *
• 125 St *
• 161 St-Yankee Stadium
• 168 St-Washington Heights *
• Atlantic Av-Barclays Center
• Broadway Junction *
• Canarsie-Rockaway Pkwy *
• Church Av *
• Coney Island-Stillwell Av *
• E 180 St *
• Far Rockaway-Mott Av *
• Flatbush Av-Brooklyn College *
• Flushing-Main St *
• Fordham Rd *
• Fulton St *
• Grand Central-42 St *
• Times Sq-42nd Street
• Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av
• Jamaica-179 St *
• Jay St-MetroTech *
• Myrtle Av-Wyckoff Avs *
• Parkchester *
• Queensboro Plaza *
• St George
• Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport *

Metro North Railroad

• Bridgeport*
• Croton Harmon*
• Fordham*
• Grand Central Terminal
• Harlem-125 St*
• New Haven*
• New Rochelle*
• South Norwalk*
• Stamford*
• White Plains

Long Island Rail Road

• Amityville*
• Atlantic Terminal
• Babylon
• Baldwin*
• Bayside*
• Bellmore*
• Flushing*
• Freeport*
• Grand Central Madison
• Great Neck*
• Hempstead*
• Hicksville*
• Huntington*
• Jamaica
• Long Beach*
• Lynbrook*
• Manhasset*
• Massapequa*
• Merrick*
• Mineola*
• Mets-Willets Point*
• Patchogue*
• Penn Station
• Port Jefferson*
• Port Washington*
• Rockville*
• Ronkonkoma
• Syosset*
• Valley Stream*
• Wantagh*
• Westbury*
• Woodside*
• Wyandanch*

Additional Locations

• Mobile Sales Operations (buses and vans)
• 3 Stone Street

*New Location