View Before and After Photos of “Re-NEW-vated” Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Av–JFK Station
View Before and After Photos of “Re-NEW-vated” Jamaica–Van Wyck Station
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced transit crews completed extensive functional and aesthetic upgrades at Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Av–JFK Airport and Jamaica–Van Wyck stations in Queens. This work is part of New York City Transit’s Re-NEW-vation Program, which utilizes planned service outages to perform stationwide repairs, enhancements, and deep cleaning, providing customers with brighter and better station environments.
“New York City Transit is working hard to ensure customers’ journeys are pleasant and comfortable from the moment they enter a station with brighter lights, fresh coats of paint, smoother platforms and more,” said New York City Transit President Richard Davey. “Re-NEW-vation projects are essential to delivering on our promise of bringing faster, cleaner, safer service to riders across the transit system and now in Southeast Queens, they can see that effort for themselves.”
At Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Av–JFK Airport station, New York City Transit crews scraped, primed, and painted over 10,000 square feet of the station. Over 150 lights were converted to LEDs, upgrading the entire station with clearer and more energy efficient lights that brighten darkened areas. Additionally, the iconic subway stairway globes were replaced, concrete tripping hazards were repaired along the platforms, stairways were inspected and repaired where needed, and outdated signage was removed.
At Jamaica–Van Wyck station workers carried out a specialized cleaning operation, which included scrubbing platforms clean of outdated social distancing signage, washing and removing graffiti from track and station walls, and eliminating calcium deposits and water stains from platforms. Workers also made extensive repairs to floor tiles alleviating tripping hazards. Ceilings, station booths, and other surfaces were scraped, primed and repainted. Outdated signage including legacy bus and subway maps were removed, and new Americans with Disabilities Act signage was updated, new LED lights were installed, and platform benches were sanded and restained for customers.
The Re-NEW-vation Program is a permanent part of the NYCT Department of Subways, with at least 50 stations to receive repairs, upgrades and deep cleanings each year. Since the start of the program 70 stations have been re-NEW-vated.
"The recent upgrades at Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Av–JFK Airport and Jamaica–Van Wyck stations in Queens are a testament to the dedication of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in enhancing the commuter experience," said State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. "The completion of these functional and aesthetic improvements under the Re-NEW-vation Program exemplifies the commitment to providing brighter, safer, and more efficient transit environments for the residents and visitors of New York City.”
“Sutphin-Archer station serves as one of the largest transportation hubs in SEQ, and I am elated it is receiving the safety and beautification renovations that our residents and commuters deserve," said State Senator Leroy Comrie. "It's the right step forward in improving the quality of life for our residents. On behalf of SEQ, I thank the MTA for making these well needed renovations, and I intend to continue lending my full support behind them as they continue to enhance stations citywide,”
“Today's announcement from the MTA regarding the completion of extensive upgrades at Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Av–JFK Airport and Jamaica–Van Wyck stations in Queens is fantastic news and I'm thrilled by the MTA's transformative work in my district,” said Council Member Lynn Schulman. “These stations are vital to so many people, and they deserve a pleasant experience. With deep cleaning and improvements to lighting and signage, the re-NEW-vation work exemplifies the importance of providing New Yorkers with a safer, and more welcoming environment for all travelers."
"As a commuter myself, I'm thrilled about the completion of the renovations at Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Av–JFK Airport and Jamaica–Van Wyck stations," said Council Member Nantasha Williams. "These enhancements will not only elevate the aesthetic appeal but also improve functionality, making my daily commute smoother and more enjoyable. I'm looking forward to experiencing the brighter and better station environments, which will undoubtedly enhance the overall commuting experience for all."
“Our city’s subway stations should be inviting and welcoming places that encourage New Yorkers to use mass transit,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “The much-needed re-NEW-vation work recently completed at the Jamaica-Van Wyck and Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Av-JFK Airport stations has made a big difference in the overall look and feel of the stations and has made them much more pleasant places for riders to visit. I thank the MTA for completing these overhauls and look forward to future re-NEW-vations being performed at additional stations throughout Queens.”
“The Jamaica-Van Wyck station area was a quality-of-life concern for elected officials, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and residents for several years," said Queens Community Board 9 District Manager James McClelland. "We are extremely thankful to the MTA for the extensive station renovation which has ameliorated many of the issues. I look forward to working with the MTA on other projects that improve our communities.”