MTA launches ‘Convo Access’ pilot for live ASL interpretation

February 12, 2025 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

The MTA logo is seen on the side of a New York City subway car. AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File

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NEW YORK — THE MTA has introduced a pilot program to provide real-time American Sign Language interpretation for customers at subway, Metro-North, and Long Island Rail Road stations, officials announced Monday.

Convo Access, a smartphone and web-based app, allows deaf and hard-of-hearing riders to scan a QR code and connect with a live interpreter to communicate with MTA staff about service changes, fares and other transit needs. According to Engadget, ASL translation can be more intuitive and quicker for some speakers than typing or writing in English, which has a different syntax. Convo CEO Jarrod Musano, who is deaf, told Engadget that he was inspired to design the app after an experience being stuck on a broken-down subway train with no way to understand the conductor’s announcements.

“Delivering a solution for customers who are Deaf or hard of hearing to have direct communications with MTA employees is a great enhancement to the customer experience,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. The Convo pilot was launched through the Transit Tech Lab, an accelerator program for public transit-focused startups, founded by the Partnership Fund for New York City.

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