MTA Reopens Completely Refurbished Elevators at Jamaica Center–Parsons/Archer EJZ Station

Modernized Elevator Equipment Installed Will Provide Better Service and Increased Reliability  

Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av/JFK Airport  Elevator Closed Through June 2022 for Replacement    

Both Stations are Part of Project to Replace 11 Elevators Throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens    

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the reopening of two elevators at the Jamaica Center–Parsons/Archer  station. The elevators were closed in June 2021 as part of a larger project to replace 11 hydraulic elevators at seven stations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.  

In addition to installing modernized elevator equipment to increase reliability and provide a smoother ride, crews installed new CCTV cameras inside the elevator cabs, upgraded the fire alarm system and made structural repairs in elevator cabs and machine rooms.  

Work to install a new elevator at the Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av/JFK Airport station will begin on December 14 and is expected to be completed in June 2022. The station will remain open, but there will be no elevator access to the   platform. For a travel alternative, customers are encouraged use the Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer  station with newly reopened elevators. The Q24 bus provides accessible service between the two stations. 

“These new elevators are another example of the MTA delivering projects faster and cheaper than ever before, while also minimizing impact to our riders,” said MTA Acting Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. "The MTA is committed to building a modernized system that is the quickest and most reliable way to navigate the city.”  

“Keeping elevators reliable is a key component of station accessibility,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. “These newly refurbished elevators will improve the experience at this station for customers with mobility disabilities, and the many others who pass through this intermodal hub with luggage, strollers, bicycles and more.” 

“Station accessibility is a major priority of our capital program, with 70 stations to be made accessible in our current 5-year plan, and we are deploying every innovative tool we have to deliver these critical projects quicker, cheaper and to maintain them for the long haul,” said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. “This new completion is a testament to that approach.” 

“Accessibility is of critical importance to the ridership across the city and particularly in Downtown Jamaica where development is happening at a rapid pace,” said State Senator Leroy Comrie. “Our seniors, the mobility impaired and everyday commuters will benefit from the newly restored elevators especially with the holidays fast approaching. I commend the MTA for taking the opportunity to use economies of scale to upgrade and modernize the Jamaica Center station infrastructure in a cost efficient manner by bundling multiple projects.” 

“It is only proper that one of the nation's largest transportation hubs is appropriately fitted for accessibility, ensuring that all community members including seniors and persons with disabilities are able to access the Jamaica Center station,” said Council Member I. Daneek Miller. “This is another key upgrade to address transit issues in Southeast Queens and support the renaissance of Downtown Jamaica. I applaud the MTA for their dedication to this project and appreciate their continued partnership on behalf of our community.” 

“Although many challenges are still to be faced as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic a key piece of those needs continues to be infrastructure,” said Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman. “Working elevators are key to not only serve riders, but to help increase the effectiveness and reliable needs of access for both able and non able-bodied riders. The restored elevators are just another great example of all the hard work the MTA is providing for the city of New York and specifically riders in Jamaica, Queens.” 

MTA maps on digital screens throughout the system are updated to reflect long-term elevator outages and make it easier for customers to adjust their trip if needed. Additionally, print and digital signs will be posted in stations, along with announcements in stations and on trains. Customer service notifications are also available on the MTA website, the MYmta app and the Authority’s many social media channels. Customers can also sign up for text and email alerts at www.myMTAalerts.com.