Senator Smith, Assemblywomen Pheffer And Titus Announce $100 Million Rehabilitation Of MTA Train, Bus Stations In The Rockaways

State Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D-Queens) today announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has several rehabilitation projects at bus and train stations taking place throughout the Rockaways.

"Last month I was pleased to meet with MTA President Howard H. Roberts, Jr. who assured me on the many projects the Authority has and will undertake to improve service to my constituents. Assemblywomen Audrey L. Pheffer and Michele R. Titus and I will continue to keep the public informed of further changes and improvements," Senator Smith said.

The cost of the improvement totals approximately $100 million:

Rehabilitation work on the Rockaway Park-Beach 116th Street station and on the A and Rockaway Park S lines. Substantial completion is scheduled in August.

Design work, which is ongoing for nine other Rockaway Peninsula stations, and an elevator for the disabled at the Far Rockaway-Mott Haven station. Construction is expected to begin in July 2008.

The rehabilitation of the entire elevated structure of the Far Rockaway and Rockaway Park line is in the design phase, with construction slated to begin late next summer.

"As the new State Chair of the Task Force on People with Disabilities, having our stations accessible to all our residents is a priority," said Assemblywoman Titus. "We are in need of improvements and I am thrilled to have our projects on the table and moving forward."

"It is important for the people of the Rockaways, especially those who are disabled, to be able to have safe access to public transportation," said Assemblywoman Pheffer. "The MTA has taken many postive steps to ensure all riders get to their destination in a timely and reliable manner."

"We are encouraged that MTA is paying attention to the Rockaways, and am quite hopeful that these new stations and terminals will enhance the Authority’s endeavors to provide safe, efficient transportation to all," Senator Smith said.