Metro-North station renewal project in White Plains, N.Y., completed

Metro-North Railroad riders are able to experience a completely renovated downtown White Plains station with the completion of a $95 million renewal project.

The renovation began in 2018 as part of Metro-North's Station Improvement Initiative to bring a more customer friendly atmosphere for commuters. The initiative is funded by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) 2015-2019 and 2020-2024 Capital Programs and works in concert with Metro-North’s Way Ahead plan to enhance customer experience. The objective of this Station Improvement Initiative is to transform and elevate the overall customer experience by bringing world-class standards, with a focus on improving public perception through the introduction of new technology and design innovation.

The top-to-bottom station transformation included a refurbishment of the station's main entrance at the station plaza, the Main Street entrance, the Hamilton Avenue entrance and the Mott Street tunnel. The station was remodeled to bring an updated, modern aesthetic to the station, including updated signage, glass entrances, wood soffits, a widened main lobby, improved lighting and upgraded HVAC system. The side and island platforms were extended to increase capacity as more commuters return to the system.

"Upgrading our transportation hubs to meet the demands of the 21st century is fueling the economic comeback that we need today and will help keep New York's economy competitive in the future," said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. "The renovated station in White Plains is a prime example of this commitment and with these enhancements now complete, commuters and visitors will have access to a safer, world-class travel experience."

The project included construction of new staircases with an automatic system to melt snow and ice as it falls, helping to prevent slippery surfaces during inclement weather. Crews also installed new platform canopies with wood ceilings and LED lighting to match the upgraded aesthetic of the main lobby.

The waiting room on the island platform was remodeled with expanded space, glass-enclosures with new interior station wall panels, wood ceiling and fixtures. The ticket office, restrooms and concession spaces were also remodeled to fit the station's new feel. Digital screens were installed in addition to better heating and cooling control so commuters can comfortably wait for their train.

"The way to build up and maintain ridership is to transform stations that serve customer needs beyond catching the train. White Plains is the third largest Metro-North station that served thousands of commuters on an average pre-pandemic weekday. This project delivers a state-of-the-art transit complex worthy of the Westchester County civic and business center by providing amenities that give customers the ability to be productive on-the-go, further incentivizing them to return to mass transit," said MTA Acting Chair and CEO Janno Lieber.

Crews installed a new elevator that is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The elevator leads from the main lobby to aside platform generally used for northbound arrivals.

MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo added, "A central priority of this renovation was to enhance accessibility. For wheelchair users like myself, seniors with mobility disabilities, parents with children in strollers and so many others, it can be difficult to get around, but not at White Plains. This should serve as a model for all MTA stations as we strive for systemwide accessibility."

Commuters looking to get work done on-the-go will also notice added amenities throughout the station such as Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity and USB chargers on benches. Digital screens were added on platforms as well to provide convenient access to train information. The digital signage complements newly installed ticket vending machines to make the station environment more customer friendly.

The renovated station also includes new mosaic and laminated glass artwork by artist Barbara Takenaga featuring the artist's signature stylized abstract forms.

"The White Plains renewal project is everything the Way Ahead program is about, giving our customers the best possible experience while in the system, improving our infrastructure and increasing accessibility. White Plains is a major reverse commute destination, in addition to serving customers who commute into the city. I would like to thank the city of White Plains and Westchester County for being great partners in advancing this project, as well as the entire project team for a truly exceptional job delivering a modernized station that will serve Metro-North and our White Plains customers for years to come," said Metro-North President Catherine Rinaldi.