By Forum Staff
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on Monday announced the first-ever low turnstile fare array replacement with new wide-aisle fare gates at Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Avenue–JFK Airport E, J, Z Station in Jamaica.
The installation of modern fare gate technology reflects the MTA’s commitment to reimagining fare arrays in the subway system, enhancing accessibility and improving the station environment. The new faregates replace the emergency exit gate at that end of the station, which was a major contributor to subway fare evasion. The wide-aisle design of the new faregates allows customers with strollers, wheelchairs, and luggage to smoothly enter the system. This will allow the MTA to examine the feasibility of placing new fare gates at other stations in the future.
This is the first full deployment of new fare gates in the subway system following a pilot of the wide-aisle gates at Atlantic Av-Barclays Center subway station in March 2023. In addition to wide-aisle gate installation, four traditional turnstiles were installed at the north end of the mezzanine to enhance customer flow. All new fare gates are equipped with OMNY, the MTA’s new tap-and-go fare collection system.
“Modernizing our century-old subway system isn’t just a necessary investment structurally, it’s a critical move toward ensuring Queens commuters of any ability can easily and safely travel to any destination in the city. That’s exactly what today’s announcement entails,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.
The MTA also announced the opening of a new customer service center, making this station the fourteenth center in the subway system. Customer service centers provide services historically limited to 3 Stone St located in Lower Manhattan, but now enable the MTA to meet customers where they are directly in stations in their home boroughs. Centers comprise repurposed booths, new retail outlets and feature enhanced accessibility, OMNY technology, and a dedicated, more welcoming visual presentation for customers. This includes new lighting, branded wrapping, and canopies with enhanced customer service functions such as station agents on hand to assist in converting riders to OMNY, signing up for Reduced-Fare, and helping troubleshoot general concerns.
New York City Transit plans to open another center before the end of the year.
“With a direct link to the AirTrain the Sutphin Boulevard – Archer Av – JFK Airport subway station is often visitors’ first introduction to New York, making it a perfect spot for a new customer service center and wide aisle fare gates,” said MTA Acting Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara. “The station agents at the center will help both first time customers navigate the system and long-time customers with any issues that may arise.”
“I’m thrilled to see the MTA’s continued strides in creating better systems for New Yorkers, especially for the residents of Queens,” said City Councilwoman Nantasha Williams (D-St. Albans). “The upcoming opening of the new Customer Service Center at Sutphin Boulevard – Archer Avenue – JFK AirTrain station and the innovative Wide Aisle Gates initiative will bring a significant improvement to the daily commute and overall transportation experience for Queens residents. These positive changes reflect a commitment to enhancing convenience and accessibility, making journeys smoother and more efficient. It’s exciting to witness these improvements that will undoubtedly benefit our city’s residents.”
