maxtm

I finally got a chance to visit the new South Ferry station which opened March 17—the first new station in a very long time. The old station was part of the original 1904 system and required customers to be in the first five cars to exit along the very sharp loop. The new station is modernized, accommodating all 10 cars and feature air cooling. A few thoughts on its design:

• I’m glad the MTA is moving on from its kind of gross wooden benches, but the new metal ones are angled so much you have to brace yourself to sit on them.
• The station is very sterile looking, which is a nice change for the New York City Subway, but almost too plain in some ways.
• The flooring is patterned, which is an imporvement over their current materials, which show stains and gum very easily.
• It’s too bad the MTA couldn’t have build a column-free platform, although the wide platform and tall ceilings make it feel more open and spacious.
• The new fence details are very nice.
• It’s interesting to see those new digital signs showing something, even if it (still) isn’t the next train’s departure time.