The project will give Metro-North customers a reimagined station, one that’s more accessible to all, safer, easier to navigate, and technologically up-to-date. The White Plains station has the third highest ridership in the Metro-North system, second only to Stamford and Grand Central Terminal.
The station renewal underscores Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s commitment to improving the state’s public transportation and creating a world-class system that meets the needs and demands of travelers.
The revitalized White Plains station will have a more customer friendly focus, making commuting easier and more pleasant for the 12,000 customers who board trains there on an average weekday.
The station’s makeover is part of a $135 million Metro-North Station Improvement Initiative funded by the MTA’s 2015-2019 Capital Program. Construction is expected to continue to December 2020.
Metro-North Railroad makes accessibility a priority when considering the scope of all of its station construction projects. While the White Plains station is already fully ADA accessible, the state of good repair work will enhance this accessibility. The project adds an elevator within the main entrance for customers to reach the new side platform, including two ADA compliant stairs that are replete with radiant heat flooring for snow and ice control. The MTA is investing in improving ADA compliant features at the station, such as: railings, platform guardrails, signage, and a new public address system.
The top to bottom station transformation includes refurbishment and functional upgrades to its main entrance, the Main Street entrance, the Hamilton Avenue entrance, and the Mott Street entrance. Security cameras and speakers will be positioned throughout the station, enhancing customer safety. Crews will install new platform canopies with wood ceilings, LED lighting, and a heated stairway leading from the side platform.
Added amenities like USB chargers, Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, digital screens that provide convenient access to train information, ticket vending machines and new benches will make the station’s environment even more customer friendly.
Customers can look forward to an expanded, glass-enclosed waiting area, new interior station wall panels, ceiling tiles and fixtures, a remodeled ticket office, an improved food vendor space and refurbished bathrooms. MTA Arts and Design has issued an open call for artists to create a site specific installation at the station.
Service at the White Plains station will continue throughout the duration of the three year project. The renovation has been planned in three phases to minimize the disruption to customer travel.
Metro-North Railroad’s March 18 schedule reflects weekend and off-peak service changes that are in effect to accommodate the station’s upgrade. While this important work is underway, customers should allow for extra travel time to access the open section of platforms.
MTA Chairman Joe Lhota said: “Metro-North Railroad is bringing world class standards to its stations and facilities, raising the bar for design, functionality and amenities. A streamlined design-build process hastens the project’s completion and its end goal of creating a station environment that’s more customer friendly. Long after the renovation at the White Plains station is complete, it will continue to influence improvements at other stations across the railroad’s territory.”
Metro-North President Catherine Rinaldi said: “The look, feel and efficiency of the White Plains station will be transformed, and with minimal disruption to our customers. The planned state-of-the-art improvements propel the station into the 21st century, and an upgraded station can only help enhance the city’s quality of life.”
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “For the commuters that travel to and from White Plains this will greatly improve their travel experience. The White Plains station is the busiest train station in Westchester, and it is a critical part of our County. I commend the Governor for focusing on these important and vital improvements.”
Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins said: "Thousands of people rely on this train station, and it must meet the needs of a rapidly growing commuter population. The newly redesigned facility, equipped with modern amenities like Wi-Fi connectivity, LED lighting, and USB charging stations, will ensure riders who depend on this vital infrastructure continue to enjoy a safe, efficient, and comfortable experience for years to come."
Assemblyman David Buchwald said: “The renovation of the White Plains train station is welcome news for the tens of thousands of residents who every week rely on Metro-North to get where they are going. I will continue to advocate for investing in mass transit projects like the White Plains train station makeover, because our Westchester economy depends on safe, reliable transportation.”
Assemblymember Amy Paulin said: “Many of my constituents use White Plains Station every work day, and are looking forward to these improvements to enhance and transform their riding experience. Given the station’s prominence as a major hub for Metro-North, an upgraded station is not just good for the city’s residents, it’s good for the region.”
Congresswoman Nita Lowey said: “New Yorkers shouldn’t have to worry about navigating their commutes. A revitalized White Plains station that emphasizes customer experience, ensures greater accessibility and service, and enhances safety will improve not only the commutes of the tens of thousands of riders from throughout the region who rely on the station every week but also the daily lives of all who work and live in the city of White Plains.”
White Plains Mayor Tom Roach said: "Two years ago, the city of White Plains embarked on a comprehensive study of our Transit District, the area immediately surrounding the White Plains train station. Metro-North was a key stakeholder and participant in that study, which also included an unprecedented level of public outreach. The study culminated in the release of a Strategic Plan for the area and then the release of an RFEI, which generated a high level of interest from developers and urban planners. We are now working on an RFP for release later this year. Metro-North's White Plains station Renovation project has served to further increase the interest in this area of the city. Governor Cuomo and Metro-North recognize that an enhanced White Plains station will not only better serve our mutual constituents, but is an important economic driver for the City. I would like to thank them for their confidence in White Plains and their advocacy for this much-needed project."
Ben Boykin, Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, said, “The White Plains station is a major hub for the people of Westchester and for the whole Metro-North system and it was certainly in need of a total renovation. I'm pleased that the station is getting the high-tech, world-class, fashionable and functional makeover the Metro-North riders of White Plains and all of Westchester deserve. I'd like to thank Governor Cuomo, MTA Chairman Joe Lhota, Metro-North President Catherine Rinaldi and Mayor Tom Roach of White Plains. While I know this month just marks the beginning of the renovations, I can't wait until I have a chance to walk through the beautiful, updated station.”
