It looks similar to the 21st Station on the F line, but its an island platform. But sad thing is that you'd need a flashlight to navigate to these once beautiful, vibrant stations.
The station needs to be completed renovated from top to bottom and have it skylight reopened with thick 3M gurilla glass. Also a little fun fact, The Station was suppose to replace the "Queens Blvd" Station on the Jamaica El which the main entrance sits where the entrance for the old Queen Blvd Station would've went up. Weridly the intention was that you take the E a stop back to catch the J but the E ended up being a much faster option to Manhattan then the J so almost nobody did what was intended.
In 1996, I visited the Transit Museum in Downtown Brooklyn and signed up for the vintage rides. I went through all the loops, city hall station, and a few subway yards. It was fun. They referred me to the transit club and the websites that show the 1929 plan and NYC full track map. I was always a train buff since I was a kid.
When the Archer Ave Extension opened, the stations were so much brighter and the newness of a new station put a smile on my face when i finally got to see it for the very first time in February 1989. It felt revolutionary, considering that we were in the final months of graffiti on the subway cars. It was another symbol of newness in the NYC Subway. I hate how dingy they’ve become but even though the stations have aged well, there is a charm to those 3 stations that still remain and i still enjoy going there the times that i need to. I hope you do a video on the history of the Archer Ave extension. It’s quite fascinating and worthwhile to look at. Great video as always!
I’ll definitely make a video on the history of the extension in the future. I’ll even talk about how poorly they’ve treated the stations in their 35+ years of service.
I'm gonna be honest, I actually kind of like how dark the station looks in comparison to the much brighter and fresher look of the 1980s. I know that the darkness is mostly due to age, grime, and overall MTA shenanigans of neglect, but the dark orange and browns kinda give the station a really cozy and nostalgic feeling to me. Same thing for Jamaica Center Parsons especially on the E platform.
I partially agree. I like dimmer/warmer lighting, and I would like this station to keep that, however I would like to see a renovation where it’s deep-cleaned & the original skylights return.
@@veoni5421 What? MTA had a bad time saving money to build new train line extensions, so congestion pricing need to reduce cars off the road and repair subway tunnels.
I grew up on W. 184th St and ST. Nicholas Avenue from 1970-2018. 48 years in the hood. I'm 53 years old. I was 2 blocks away from the #1 Train and 2 1/2 blocks from the A Train. (Both 181 St Stations) I always took both lines regularly, depending on where I was going. I now live in Elmont, NY which is located on the border of Nassau and Queens and I take a bus into Jamaica Center and then the E Train into the city when I travel to Manhattan. Sometimes, I'll take the J Tain if I travel to the Lower East Side.
If the BMT Jamaica Elevated Line was rebuilt to 168th Street & beyond, there should be a transfer to the (J) & at the new Queens Boulevard Station from the Jamaica Avenue station.
I am old enough to remember when the Metropolitan Ave El station was around before the new one was built to replace it. That station opened in July 1918 for joint subway and el train service.
@@MysticTransit The wooden el trains ran from City Hall El train terminals to 168 St. TERMINAL at Jamaica Ave. The subway trains ran from Broad Street, Manhattan to 168th Street Terminal too. I am a New Yorker and I know my NYC history.
I lived a couple of blocks from the Van Wyck Blvd station in the late 80s. Rode the E all the way to WTC. After 4 years in DC, I would have liked to see the DC Metro aesthetic in the new stations, but this is what we got. Not surprised it has not aged well
I think it would be amazing to start a new series on "well designed stations"/"practical transfer hubs" to show how some big stations are really well designed for major transfers. Compared to many systems around the world, the big NYC subway hubs have really quick & easy transfers from line to line. Union Square, Times Square, Fulton Street, Columbus Circle, Jackson Heights, Atlantic Av - Barclays Center, Jay St-Metrotech, and even Broadway Junction come to mind. What do you think of this idea?
This station has a very nice feel to it. However I don't like how dark it is. The station design on the 2nd Avenue Subway definitely have more lighting and makes the station easier to see. This station (and most other 1980 stations in the NYC subway) have dimmed lighting. If the MTA can improve that, then it would be much better. Also, the station is in the Brutalist style, and kind of makes it look like a bunker or something that should rather be a hallway rather than a subway.
Now that the E serves Jamaica Center, the same can be done by extending the E down Guy R Brewer Blvd. QueensLink would also help. But in any case, AirTrain should just be free, especially since it already makes numerous transit connections (and, again, could make more with QueensLink). Drivers should be charged instead to go into JFK.
I really don’t like this station in terms of convenience. Why is the escalator leading to the platform so far from the station entrance escalator? This causes people to miss trains. I come into the train station, and I have to sprint like Usain Bolt 🏃🏽♂️ to the escalator to the platform if a train is coming. I’m gonna need for them to put a turnstile entrance much closer to the entrance of the station. I’m sure this is a nightmare for J90 shuttle passengers who get dropped off at this station for Jamaica Center service. It surely was a nightmare for me in summer 2022.
This I'll agree with you on. Also not a fan of how *all* the stairs and escalators are towards the end of the platform. If you're coming off the wrong end of the train, that's a long walk, just to then have to backtrack to the Jamaica Ave entrance and hope you didn't miss your bus if you're making transfers. (The E train is fairly frequent. Try waiting for the Q54 or Q56.) It's even worse if you need an elevator.
We definitely need a history of the Archer Ave Subway video because I think it's one of the most unique subways lines in the city
TTA did a video on seq lines that never were but wouldnt mind hearing mystics prospective
totally agree
It definitely has that 1980s look to it. I wish the MTA designed stations like this but not in a grand way.
It looks similar to the 21st Station on the F line, but its an island platform. But sad thing is that you'd need a flashlight to navigate to these once beautiful, vibrant stations.
@@fahimbhuyan2467 True. Hopefully the TA will replace these fluorescents with LEDs as well as clean the tiles
Jamaica Van-Wyck station is the only station where the E train doesn't hvae a transfer to any other trains during the day time.
The station needs to be completed renovated from top to bottom and have it skylight reopened with thick 3M gurilla glass.
Also a little fun fact, The Station was suppose to replace the "Queens Blvd" Station on the Jamaica El which the main entrance sits where the entrance for the old Queen Blvd Station would've went up. Weridly the intention was that you take the E a stop back to catch the J but the E ended up being a much faster option to Manhattan then the J so almost nobody did what was intended.
That’s good history, thanks!
I think we need to see a History of the Archer Avenue line video in the future with more information on the project that you mentioned.
'Briarwood' used to be 'Van Wyck Bd'. We used to sneak down to the tunnel when the line was being built and walk. The J/Z ended at 121 st
In 1996, I visited the Transit Museum in Downtown Brooklyn and signed up for the vintage rides. I went through all the loops, city hall station, and a few subway yards. It was fun. They referred me to the transit club and the websites that show the 1929 plan and NYC full track map. I was always a train buff since I was a kid.
When the Archer Ave Extension opened, the stations were so much brighter and the newness of a new station put a smile on my face when i finally got to see it for the very first time in February 1989. It felt revolutionary, considering that we were in the final months of graffiti on the subway cars. It was another symbol of newness in the NYC Subway.
I hate how dingy they’ve become but even though the stations have aged well, there is a charm to those 3 stations that still remain and i still enjoy going there the times that i need to. I hope you do a video on the history of the Archer Ave extension. It’s quite fascinating and worthwhile to look at. Great video as always!
I’ll definitely make a video on the history of the extension in the future. I’ll even talk about how poorly they’ve treated the stations in their 35+ years of service.
You should cover station complexes/transfer stations like Times Square/Bryant Park that fit in your mystical series.
Jamaica Van Wyck could use rehabilitation/revitalization, it’s a marvel for sure, it just needs better upkeep
It is about time I subscribe to your site this evening, December 24, 2023 like a subway buff should.
Saw the title, clicked the video, and immediately went for the like. That is how much this station means to me!!! 😊
I'm gonna be honest, I actually kind of like how dark the station looks in comparison to the much brighter and fresher look of the 1980s. I know that the darkness is mostly due to age, grime, and overall MTA shenanigans of neglect, but the dark orange and browns kinda give the station a really cozy and nostalgic feeling to me. Same thing for Jamaica Center Parsons especially on the E platform.
I partially agree. I like dimmer/warmer lighting, and I would like this station to keep that, however I would like to see a renovation where it’s deep-cleaned & the original skylights return.
3:15 what in the 1970’s happened to that E train 😭
Would you support congestion pricing if you want the E line extended to Springfield Blvd?
sht looks nice tbh ion even mind it
@@durece100 yes definitely absolutely
@@durece100what does congestion pricing even have to do with the E?
@@veoni5421 What? MTA had a bad time saving money to build new train line extensions, so congestion pricing need to reduce cars off the road and repair subway tunnels.
I grew up on W. 184th St and ST. Nicholas Avenue from 1970-2018. 48 years in the hood. I'm 53 years old. I was 2 blocks away from the #1 Train and 2 1/2 blocks from the A Train. (Both 181 St Stations) I always took both lines regularly, depending on where I was going. I now live in Elmont, NY which is located on the border of Nassau and Queens and I take a bus into Jamaica Center and then the E Train into the city when I travel to Manhattan. Sometimes, I'll take the J Tain if I travel to the Lower East Side.
1:23 nice to see that Jamaica still has that bus
If the BMT Jamaica Elevated Line was rebuilt to 168th Street & beyond, there should be a transfer to the (J) & at the new Queens Boulevard Station from the Jamaica Avenue station.
I am old enough to remember when the Metropolitan Ave El station was around before the new one was built to replace it. That station opened in July 1918 for joint subway and el train service.
Wow 😮
@@MysticTransit The wooden el trains ran from City Hall El train terminals to 168 St. TERMINAL at Jamaica Ave. The subway trains ran from Broad Street, Manhattan to 168th Street Terminal too. I am a New Yorker and I know my NYC history.
@luislaplume8261 well then....
I lived a couple of blocks from the Van Wyck Blvd station in the late 80s. Rode the E all the way to WTC. After 4 years in DC, I would have liked to see the DC Metro aesthetic in the new stations, but this is what we got. Not surprised it has not aged well
I do like the open feel of this one. I think it needs an exit at Hillside Ave though.
Would LOVE an Archer ave extension history video
Always loved this station. In the mid 2000s you would always get phone service so any messages you missed while riding train would pop up
I grew up with this station. Before the R32s were slowly being replaced by the R160s
That station has a really good look and feel, reminds me of the subway stations on BART, mainly those in Berkeley
i remember waking past this station in 90 .i hear plan trains line go under van wyck to jfk airport.
History of the Archer Ave Subway video would be great! 👍
Thank You MysticTransit! I like how
you made a video om my home station! Keep up the good work!
As always another interesting and entertaining video
I really like that station a lot! I can definitely say that it's one of my favorite train stations from the mta.
I think it would be amazing to start a new series on "well designed stations"/"practical transfer hubs" to show how some big stations are really well designed for major transfers. Compared to many systems around the world, the big NYC subway hubs have really quick & easy transfers from line to line. Union Square, Times Square, Fulton Street, Columbus Circle, Jackson Heights, Atlantic Av - Barclays Center, Jay St-Metrotech, and even Broadway Junction come to mind. What do you think of this idea?
I’ll like to see archer subway extension
I’ve never been to this station but I definitely will next time I’m in NYC.. thanks for the great video
The high school I used to go to was near that station.
Yes we wanna see that video
i've used that station to get to the civil courthouse a couple times, it's pretty good
Archer avenue line history would be great!
This station has a very nice feel to it. However I don't like how dark it is. The station design on the 2nd Avenue Subway definitely have more lighting and makes the station easier to see. This station (and most other 1980 stations in the NYC subway) have dimmed lighting. If the MTA can improve that, then it would be much better. Also, the station is in the Brutalist style, and kind of makes it look like a bunker or something that should rather be a hallway rather than a subway.
Awesome
Merry Christmas! 1 more day until
It would be nice if the line was fully completed. It might happen one day but I doubt it
I wish this line was expanded south to JFK instead of widening of the Van Wyck Expressway.
Now that the E serves Jamaica Center, the same can be done by extending the E down Guy R Brewer Blvd. QueensLink would also help.
But in any case, AirTrain should just be free, especially since it already makes numerous transit connections (and, again, could make more with QueensLink). Drivers should be charged instead to go into JFK.
I think it's redundant now given that the Airtrain exists and has a terminus at Sutphin Blvd
@@veoni5421lol you paying $8.25 for that shit?
The red brick reminds much of Bowling Green
Same.
If the Second Avenue Subway was built around the same as when the Archer Avenue line I think would’ve had the same design, I think would’ve fit well
Do Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Next!
It won’t be next, but it’s definitely on my list.
@@MysticTransit got it.
8:16 Graffiti
3:16 if I can see it you can also
I really don’t like this station in terms of convenience. Why is the escalator leading to the platform so far from the station entrance escalator? This causes people to miss trains. I come into the train station, and I have to sprint like Usain Bolt 🏃🏽♂️ to the escalator to the platform if a train is coming. I’m gonna need for them to put a turnstile entrance much closer to the entrance of the station. I’m sure this is a nightmare for J90 shuttle passengers who get dropped off at this station for Jamaica Center service. It surely was a nightmare for me in summer 2022.
Such a small gripe when there’s timetables and real time tracking
@@jeremiahtaylor1817Timetables and real-time tracking does not change the fact that passengers are not in control of their transfer experiences.
This I'll agree with you on. Also not a fan of how *all* the stairs and escalators are towards the end of the platform. If you're coming off the wrong end of the train, that's a long walk, just to then have to backtrack to the Jamaica Ave entrance and hope you didn't miss your bus if you're making transfers. (The E train is fairly frequent. Try waiting for the Q54 or Q56.) It's even worse if you need an elevator.
@@samuelitooooo that too. It’s not as bad waiting when the shuttles are running, even though I hate the shuttles.
what were the headways like? i assume you were here over the weekend
On the weekend, it’s about every 12 or so minutes for an (E) Train. During the weekdays, it’s a lot more reasonable, about every 3-5 mins.
No way bro caught 7777
W
Infamous Jamaica hospital lol
Time for me to do my thing now
Oh boy
Dark colors are not a good idea in subway stations, you need all the light you can get.
They need to upgrade pelham Bay Park wall is falling apart elevator and ecuslators are usually not working but that's the main one needs it bad
Can you do 72 st on Broadway???
I will consider it.
@@MysticTransit lfg W
They shouldn’t have covered up the skylights.
Explains why the station looks so scary
The MTA knows how to waste money. I used to work for them and I used to work all the alphabet lines
I’d rather have the el still there lol
3:16 graffiti
Yeah I noticed that when I was recording the clip.
Love to see it
I think its nice but immediately outside the station on the street level is pretty awful
I have not traveled in any of the other subway lines in the system or seen all the stations.
First
It not a competition
@@Michael_afton698 lol
I hate this station with a passion
Wouldn't say hate, but definitely no positive thoughts on this station