MTA Renovates 2 More Stations Under Re-NEW-vation Program

Repainted platform ceilings at Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Av-JFK Airport station.

Courtesy of MTA

NEW YORK CITY – Under the Re-NEW-vation program, the MTA upgraded, cleaned, and inspected the Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Av-JFK Airport and Jamaica-Van Wyck stations in Queens.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced it has completed renovations at its Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Av-JFK Airport and Jamaica-Van Wyck stations in Queens. These station renovations are part of MTA’s Re-NEW-vation program. The MTA says this program “utilizes planned service outages to perform station-wide repairs, enhancements, and deep cleaning, providing customers with brighter and better station environments.” The 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 program started, MTA reports 70 stations have been renovated.

At Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Av-JFK Airport station, crews renovated over 10,000 square feet. This includes scraping, priming, and painting. Crews converted over 150 lights to LEDs and upgraded the station with more energy efficient lights. In addition, crews replaced the subway stairway globes, repaired concrete tripping hazards along the platforms, inspected/repaired stairways, and removed outdated signage.

At Jamaica-Van Wyck station, crews removed outdated signage, removed graffiti from track and station walls, and eliminated calcium deposits and water stains on platforms. As well, crews repaired floor tiles to prevent tripping and scraped, primed, and repainted ceilings, station booths, and other surfaces. A new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sign was updated, and LED lights were installed. Crews also sanded and re-stained platform benches.

“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.” State and local officials gave statements on the renovations as well.

“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.”

“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.”