Approximately 25% of subway stations have elevators, and they break constantly. Download the MTA app for real-time elevator status but don't trust it completely - reports can lag behind actual outages.

Reliable accessible stations: Times Square-42nd St, Union Square, Columbus Circle, Atlantic Terminal Brooklyn. These have multiple elevators so backups exist when one fails.

Buses are 100% wheelchair accessible and often faster than subway in Manhattan. M14 crosstown, M5/M6 north-south on west side. Real-time bus tracking through MTA app actually works.

Yellow cabs are legally required to accommodate wheelchair users but many drivers illegally refuse. Book accessible vehicles through Uber or Via instead — Much more reliable.