NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Convo Access, a mobile smartphone app that can connect deaf and hard-of-hearing commuters with an instant and on-demand American Sign Language interpreter, is being rolled out as part of a new MTA pilot program, the transit authority announced on Monday.
Users will be able to scan a QR code, connect with a live interpreter and chat with an MTA employee or station agent about anything related to their journey, including service changes and payment.
“Convo Access is easy, as easy as scanning a QR code from your phone, where you’ll be immediately connected to a live American Sign Language interpreter,” chief accessibility officer Quemuel Arroyo said at a press conference. “Convo shows us the power of technology to close the gaps of access in our environment.”
The pilot is free to use for all MTA customers, and was initially deployed at Penn Station, Times Square and Port Authority. According to the MTA, those locations achieved a 94% activation rate and reported more natural interactions with transit staff and enhanced personal connections.
“Deaf people were born and raised knowing how to use interpreters,” Convo Communications CEO Jarrod Musano said. “So to create a simple solution, like the QR code with Convo Access, it allows the MTA to be creative and have the power to test and try out a number of different locations simply by putting a QR code sticker anywhere they want.”
Convo Access will be available at a variety of NYC Transit Customer Service Centers, Long Island Rail Road stations and Metro-North stations. These include:
• 161 Street-Yankee Stadium
• Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center
• Times Square-42nd Street
• Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue
• St. George Terminal
• Atlantic Terminal
• Babylon
• Grand Central Madison
• Jamaica
• Penn Station
• Ronkonkoma
• Grand Central Terminal
• White Plains
It will also be available at MTA mobile sales buses and vans, and at 3 Stone Street, the main MTA customer service center.
The pilot will run until at least November 2025, the MTA said. Participants can submit questions or feedback through the MTA’s Customer Feedback Form, or by emailing accessibility@mtahq.org.