FAQs

It’s a familiar proverb, and in many contexts, it carries wisdom. In executive practice, however, it reflects a deferred maintenance mindset; waiting until risks become visible before acting. Current strains in existing practices underscore the importance of a proactive approach, ensuring resilience and continuity before issues escalate further. The Rule of the Day SMS leverages modern communication tools to reinforce safety procedures, strengthening what works and advancing operational resilience.

2: What is ADA Compliance?

ADA compliance refers to adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Compliance means ensuring that people with disabilities have the same opportunities and access as everyone else — whether in employment, transportation, public accommodations, or digital communications.

3: Where can I learn more about MTA & ADA Compliance?

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is engaged in a long‑term effort to expand accessibility across the transit system. Through its Capital Programs, the agency has committed billions of dollars to modernize stations, upgrade elevators, and integrate assistive technologies, with the goal of achieving systemwide ADA compliance. Advisory groups and consulting partners provide guidance and oversight, helping the MTA move toward its target of making the vast majority of subway stations accessible by 2055. All of these initiatives are designed to support the ridership, ensuring that customers and employees with disabilities have equal access to safe, reliable, and inclusive transit.

4: What is the “Rule of the Day”?

The Rule of the Day is drawn from the NYCT Rules and Regulations Book and the MOW Safety Book. Each year, leadership curates a calendar of essential safety procedures, distilling them into one standardized Rule for every day. A second Rule is selected by the Maintenance Supervisor, tailored to that day’s specific job assignments. Both Rules are discussed in‑person at the start of each tour, ensuring crews are aligned, prepared, and focused on safety before work begins.

5: What is an example of a Rule?

“Tuesday, December 23, 2025: 
Rule 5.08 
Supervisors are responsible for providing a “Toolbox Safety Talk” at the beginning of the tour to all employees in charge, including those temporarily transferred or assigned from another department or crew. Supervisors must conduct a job safety briefing with employees in their charge prior to the start of each job, this briefing should be documented and shall cover at least the following subjects: special hazards associated with the job work procedures involved, special precautions, PPE requirements and energy source controls, if applicable.”

6: What is SMS?

For practical purposes, a text message is an SMS. Technically, SMS (Short Message Service) is the global standard for text‑only mobile communication. Introduced in the early 1990s, it remains one of the most reliable and universally supported channels, delivering short, compliant messages across all carriers and devices without the need for apps or data plans.

7: Why SMS for the Rule of the Day?

SMS is chosen because it is:

• Universal: Works on every mobile phone without apps or data plans. 
• Accessible: Integrates seamlessly with native device features for low vision, low hearing, and translation. 
• Audit‑Ready: Creates a logged, compliant record of communication. 
• Simple: A clear, text‑based reminder at the start of every tour. 

8: How does SMS support accessibility?

SMS integrates seamlessly with the accessibility features already built into mobile devices:

• Low Vision & Low Hearing: Large text settings, screen zoom, high-contrast display, and screen readers (VoiceOver on iOS, TalkBack on Android) make every Rule easy to read or hear.  
• Low Hearing: Visual/vibration alerts ensure the Rule is received clearly without relying on spoken briefings.
• Language Translation: Built‑in translation tools (Apple Translate, Google Translate) allow employees to instantly convert the Rule into their preferred language, supporting clarity and inclusivity across diverse crews.

9: Why is SMS delivery opt‑in?

SMS integrates seamlessly with the accessibility features already built into mobile devices:

• Policy Alignment:  In keeping with MTA’s approach to safety communication, new channels are designed to supplement existing practices. SMS delivery of the Rule of the Day is offered as an additional tool to reinforce in‑person briefings, not replace them.
• ADA Compliance:  Accessibility standards emphasize choice and equity. By making SMS opt-in, employees decide whether this format best supports their needs (vision, hearing, or language translation). This respects individuals’ preferences while ensuring equitable access.  
• Privacy & Consent: Opt‑in enrollment ensures employees give explicit consent to receive messages on personal devices, protecting privacy and aligning with governance standards. 
• Audit Readiness: Every opt‑in message is logged, creating a documented record of ADA‑compliant communication without imposing requirements on employees who prefer traditional briefings. 

11: How much does it cost?

There is no cost to employees. SMS delivery of the Rule of the Day is included as part of MTA’s safety and accessibility initiative. Because SMS is a standard carrier service, most employees will not incur any additional charges. If a mobile plan bills per text, standard messaging rates may apply (~$0.0015 to $0.05), but MTA does not charge for participation.

12: Is my data private?

Yes. SMS notifications contain only the Rule of the Day and do not collect or share personal information. Opt‑in enrollment ensures employees give consent to receive messages, and no sensitive data is stored or transmitted beyond the daily rule itself. All records are maintained solely for compliance and audit purposes, in line with MTA policy and ADA standards.

No. The Rule of the Day SMS is not part of the MTA Hearing Conservation Program. It is a separate user‑testing effort focused on improving safety communication and accessibility. While the Hearing Conservation Program addresses noise exposure and hearing protection, this prototype is designed to reinforce daily safety procedures through ADA‑compliant text messaging. Participation is voluntary and intended to evaluate how SMS delivery can supplement in‑person briefings, not replace existing programs.