A host of Metro North, as well as state and city officials were on hand for a ceremony on Nov. 1 to mark the completion of the full-scale $95 million renewal of

WHITE PLAINS—A host of Metro North, as well as state and city officials were on hand for a ceremony on Nov. 1 to mark the completion of the full-scale $95 million renewal of MTA Metro-North Railroad’s station in Downtown White Plains.

The renovation began in 2018 as part of Metro-North’s Station Improvement Initiative to bring a more customer friendly atmosphere for commuters.

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,” New York Gov/ Hochul said in a statement. “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.”

Janno Lieber, MTA Acting Chair and CEO, said, “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.”

Catherine Rinaldi, President of Metro-North Railroad, added, “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.”

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.

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 the 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.

Other added amenities throughout the station include 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 even more customer friendly.

From left, State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, Metro North President Catherine Rinaldi and State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

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

White Plains station is the third largest Metro-North station, serving more than 12,000 commuters on a pre-pandemic weekday, trailing only Stamford and Grand Central Terminal. Similar to the Stamford, CT station on the New Haven Line, the White Plains station is a hub station for Harlem Line commuters, providing express and local service. In addition to local and express connections, the station is also a hub for bus connections, with approximately 3,000 bus transfers per day in pre-pandemic times.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “This station is a major hub for Westchester commuters and the work done here—in the midst of a pandemic—will positively impact the thousands who rely on it each day. Development centered around commuter friendly locations will be a major boon to our COVID-19 recovery prospects and I commend the leadership of the MTA for getting this massive undertaking done.”

White Plains Mayor Tom Roach said, “Congratulations to Metro-North and President Catherine Rinaldi on the completion of this vital upgrade to the White Plains station, which is one of the busiest in the Metro-North system. Given the high level of activity at the station, I have long believed it deserving of an upgrade. This became even more apparent as the city began the work of redeveloping the area immediately adjacent to the station. That work continues and will no doubt be enhanced by the investment made by Metro-North. It is a recognition of the importance of the White Plains station as a hub in the Metro-North system and a recognition of the interconnectedness of the station and the economic vitality of our city.”

The project was part of Metro-North’s Station Improvement Initiative, funded by the MTA’s 2015-2019 and 2020-2024 Capital Programs, and 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.