Accessible Pedestrian Signals in Lincoln Square

You may have seen more of these devices popping up around the neighborhood, as well as all over New York City recently. They are the NYC Department of Transportation’s Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS). Designed to assist blind or low-vision pedestrians in crossing the street, they send out audible indications when pedestrians push the button on the signal at the crosswalk. The recent increase in the number of APS in the city is part of DOT’s initiative to have 10,000 intersections equipped with APS by 2031. DOT expects to have 500 new locations installed this year. 

These signals are NOT “call buttons,” which used to be fixtures on traffic signal poles everywhere. Call buttons, at one time, were critical to managing traffic patterns in the city and beyond. However, recent technology, including the computer monitoring of almost every intersection, has mostly eliminated the need and usefulness of the old call buttons, and they are much less prevalent in present-day NYC. So, while pressing the newer APS buttons WILL NOT make your wait at the crosswalk move any faster, as they do not control the walk signal, it will alert you as to whether or not it is safe to cross the street.

If you know of a location that you believe is in need of an APS to assist blind or low-vision pedestrians in crossing the street safely, you can fill out a form on DOT’s website to suggest a location here. To learn more about the devices, click here.