Port Jervis Metro-North Station Renovation Completed

PORT JERVIS, NY — The Port Jervis station's renovation has been completed, making it fully accessible and giving it a more modern feel.

The top-to-bottom transformation at the West of Hudson terminus station included the construction of a one-car length high-level platform, a concrete ramp leading from the parking lot to the platform, and a new sidewalk.

Improvements were also made to the existing parking lot to allow easier access onto the platform. The platform canopy was remodeled with a modern wooden ceiling and with sleek station signage. Other upgrades include new benches with USB ports, new LCD kiosk and security cameras to enhance safety at the station.

"Our commuter rail is what keeps the metropolitan region's economy moving forward, which is why we continue to invest in modernizing and expanding the system," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in an announcement about the project's completion. "Upgrading our stations like Port Jervis will allow us to continue our comeback from the pandemic and to stay economically competitive in the long term."

The new glass-enclosed passenger shelter on the platform contains artwork commissioned by MTA Arts & Design, and inspired by Port Jervis' history. The artwork titled Boat House Buggy was curated by illustrator and graphic artist Armando Veve and fabricated by Tom Patti Design. Veve's artwork is the culmination of research about Port Jervis and showcases symbols, objects, architectural forms, and industries of the city's history.

"Arts & Design is excited to present Boat House Buggy to Port Jervis, a city that embraces its rich history," said Sandra Bloodworth, Director of MTA Arts & Design. "The artwork is vibrant and incredibly detailed. The in-depth research about Port Jervis by Veve morphed into the exquisite drawings, depicting the past and present of the City, and hopefully will inspire generations to come."

The project's completion now makes the station ADA-compliant. The new ramp is complemented by a newly constructed one-car length high-level platform, allowing seamless access from the station parking lot, onto the platform and onto the train.

Prior to the pandemic, the Port Jervis station served about 200 passengers on an average weekday, 150 on an average Saturday and 230 on an average Sunday. Ridership has increased from the depths of the pandemic to 35 to 40 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

MTA officials hope that providing the best possible commuting experience will steer more Orange County residents towards taking the railroad into New York City.

"From the accessibility upgrades to the thoughtful artwork that captures the history of the city, Port Jervis customers now have a station that will proudly serve them for decades to come," said Catherine Rinaldi, President of Metro-North Railroad.

Port Jervis Mayor Kelly B. Decker expressed, "sheer excitement" to see the Metro-North Railroad Station in Port Jervis re-open with a state-of-the-art facility that is fully handicapped accessible.

"After years of hard work, it's exciting to see what we were able to accomplish for the Port Jervis station," Assemblymember Karl Brabenec said. "The new high-level platform to help with boarding, updated ramp for handicapped passengers, and the beautifully designed canopy and passenger shelter are testaments to what we can accomplish when the government works for the people."