Empowering Through Innovation
Reliability, safety, and accessibility define MTA’s operational excellence.
The Rule of the Day provides procedural safety reminders that keep crews aligned and prepared, reinforcing discipline across every tour. In‑person team briefings remain the foundation of communication, but progress is strengthened by support: a channel that is clear, consistent, and audit-ready. By introducing the addition of ADA‑compliant text messaging (SMS), MTA modernizes workflows and elevates organizational standards.
The Compliance Imperative
ADA compliance remains a strategic priority for MTA’s leadership.
Executives face growing scrutiny to ensure workplace practices meet accessibility standards. Integrating SMS delivery of the Rule of the Day (available to employees who opt in) extends MTA’s commitment to accessibility, sets a new benchmark for compliance and demonstrates foresight in governance. The initiative reduces risk, strengthens audit readiness, and reinforces MTA’s role as a model of inclusivity and accountability.
How It Works
“Rule of the Day SMS”
Selected
The Rule of the Day is curated annually by Leadership and shared with Supervision as PDF/printout.
Processed
Each Rule is extracted from PDF formatted as SMS and scheduled for distribution.
Delivered
At the beginning of each tour, the Rule is dispatched to employees who have elected to receive SMS notifications.
Voiced
Supervisors and workers may utilize built‑in accessibility and translation functions on their devices with the SMS, supporting precise and consistent recitation of the Rule.
Referenced
Every opt‑in workforce member, regardless of vision, hearing, or language ability, receives daily access to the Rule—promoting clarity, equity, and reinforcement for all.
Documented
Every SMS is logged, creating an audit‑ready record of ADA‑compliant communication.
Optimized Access
Accessibility Designed into Every Message
- Clear Legibility: Provides easy‑to‑read text, optimized for maximum clarity.
- Assistive Technologies: Seamlessly integrates with native mobile accessibility features (text magnification and screen readers) ensure equitable access for employees with low vision or hearing.
- Language Inclusivity: Supports translation tools, making standardized rules usable for employees with limited English proficiency.
Executive ROI
Protecting People, Protecting the Organization
- Risk Mitigation: Strengthens safety and consistency through a redundant, cross-department communication channel.
- Operational Efficiency: Standardized communication reduces errors and delays.
- Leadership Impact: Demonstrates commitment to equity and inclusion through accessibility.
- Cost Savings: Low infrastructure solution that streamlines compliance documentation.
User Personas
Diversity & Inclusivity
Everything here is new to me — the job, the country, the language. Using the translation on my phone lets me follow the Rule every day without confusion. Now I can keep up with the crew.
— L. Chen, Lighting
Thirty‑five years with jackhammers and cement mixers wore down my hearing. My daughter set up large text on my phone, and now I can read the Rule clearly instead of straining to hear it in a crowded locker room or on noisy jobsite.
— R. Martínez, MAson
The job is hectic, and English isn’t always easy. The translator on my phone helps me understand the Rule, so when I read it to the crew, they hear it correctly.
— A. Singh, MS1
I don’t like keeping notes on paper — I store everything on my phone. With the Rule sent daily I’m ready if System Safety asks. No stress, no second‑guessing. I study the Rules too because it will help me when I move up to Supervisor.
— S. WilliamS, Carpenter
English is my second language, and with weak hearing I miss things sometimes. With the Rule in large text on my phone, I can read it clearly with my glasses and give it to the crew the way it should be.
— N. Ivanova, MS1
In my position, efficiency is non‑negotiable. Receiving the Rules of the Day at the start of the tour allows me to set expectation immediately and ensure every Supervisor is aligned with procedures and safety practices before work begins.
— K. Klien, Superintendent
Lead with Accessibility.
Advance Operational Excellence.
Get Answers to
Frequently Asked Questions.
Authorship
Nicole.Weedon@nyct.com
@ 2025
Disclaimer
This proposal is prepared solely for internal review within MTA New York City Transit. It is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and does not constitute binding policy, contractual obligation, or legal commitment. References to ADA compliance, safety standards, or regulatory requirements are illustrative in nature and subject to executive approval, formal legal review, and applicable regulatory processes. Implementation of any recommendations herein requires separate authorization and may be modified, delayed, or withdrawn at the discretion of MTA NYCT leadership.