MTA Renames Jamaica Center
Station for York College

MTA Unveils Station Renaming for Jamaica Center–York College Station

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the renaming of the Jamaica Center–Parsons/Archer subway station, served by the E, J and Z lines, to Jamaica Center–York College. The new name identifies a major destination a short walk from the station, helping students, faculty, staff and visitors find their way to the nearby City University of New York (CUNY) campus. 

“For a long time, York College didn’t have a permanent home, but it does now – and it's on MTA’s iconic subway map,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “We’re proud to recognize the school’s contributions at the central transit hub of southeast Queens, Jamaica Center, home to 23,000 daily riders.” 
 
“York College is more than just a collection of classrooms, dining halls and facilities. It’s a space to gather and learn, which means it’s a space for opportunities and the transit system is the ticket to get you there,” said NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. “It’s fitting that we update the station name to more accurately reflect this special partnership. Transit is proud to play a role in supporting and uplifting central educational and economic institutions and the people who rely on them in the communities we serve.” 

Jamaica Center–York College is a major transit hub in Southeast Queens, serving as the terminal for the E, J and Z lines and a connection point for 30 bus routes serving surrounding neighborhoods. Approximately 23,000 subway riders use the station on an average weekday. 

The station is a principal transit gateway for York College, where about 80 percent of students rely on public transportation. Adding “York College” to the station name makes the connection between the subway stop and the campus clearer for riders. 

Jamaica Center–York College EJZ joins subway stations across the city whose names identify nearby CUNY campuses, including 23 St–Baruch College 6, 68 St–Hunter College 6, 137 St–City College 1, 149 St–Hostos 245, Flatbush Av–Brooklyn College 25, Bedford Park Blvd–Lehman College 4, Franklin Av–Medgar Evers College 2345 and President St–Medgar Evers College 25. 

Established in 1966 to meet growing demand for a new senior college, York College was permanently sited in Jamaica in 1968 following advocacy from local businesses, community leaders, and faith-based organizations. While its campus was under construction, York operated from the former Montgomery Ward building on Jamaica Avenue from 1978 until its new campus opened in 1986. 

"York College is incredibly proud to celebrate our 60th anniversary with the official renaming and ribbon-cutting of Jamaica Center–York College station,” said York College/CUNY President Dr. Claudia Schrader. “This moment is more than a name change; it affirms York’s important role as an anchor institution in Southeast Queens and a gateway of opportunity for our students and neighbors. We are grateful to NYS Senator Leroy Comrie, a consistent advocate, for championing this vision and to NYS Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman for her steadfast support. We thank the MTA for this collaboration and CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez for his unwavering support and belief in our mission and impact.” 

"I have been talking to the MTA about this for a minute and when we finally made the decision to do it, they embraced it wholeheartedly,” said State Senator Leroy Comrie. “As York College celebrates its 60th anniversary, this station renaming honors its lasting contributions while making it easier for students, faculty and visitors to reach campus. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul, Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman, the MTA, CUNY, York College leadership and the community advocates who helped make this recognition possible." 

“The renaming of the Parsons Archer station to the Jamaica Center-York College Station is well deserved,” said Assembly Member and Chair of the Assembly Committee on Higher Education Alicia L. Hyndman. “For decades, students have used the station to get to York College to pursue their education and achieve their dreams. I am also thrilled that York College will now join the other CUNY colleges that have co-named subway stations, which serve as a means of wayfinding for students. I also want to thank Assemblywoman Vivian Cook, who over the course of 35 years representing Assembly District 32, secured millions for York College, including for its daycare, Student Services Center and campuswide improvements. She was a true champion for York.”

“For 60 years, York College has been an anchor of Southeast Queens, preparing generations of leaders, advancing academic excellence through programs in aviation, nursing and beyond, and helping shape the identity of Downtown Jamaica,” said NYC Council Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams. “As part of the City University of New York system, York College represents the power of public higher education to expand opportunity and strengthen the communities it serves. As we plan for Jamaica's future, our commitment to York College is reflected in the campus and infrastructure improvements secured through the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan. Renaming Jamaica Center–York College Station builds on that commitment by giving greater visibility to an institution whose impact reaches far beyond our community. Every day, thousands of New Yorkers will see York College's name as part of one of our borough's major transit hubs, a powerful recognition of its legacy, its contributions to our city and its continued role in shaping Downtown Jamaica's future. I congratulate President Dr. Claudia Schrader and the entire York College family on this milestone."

“York College has opened its doors to Southeast Queens students for sixty years, many of whom start and end their days at this station,” said NYC Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “Putting York's name on the line's terminal is a fitting tribute to a college that has done so much for our young people. Congratulations to York College on its 60th anniversary, and thank you to the MTA, Senator Comrie, and my colleagues for making this happen."

“You can’t go through Jamaica Center without seeing a York College scholar on their way to the campus,” said NYC Council Member Ty Hankerson. “Decades ago, this community fought to bring York College to Jamaica. Today, that same college brings students from every corner of New York City into our community. York has produced some of this city’s best and brightest, and after 60 years of shaping young minds and opening doors, it’s only right that the college gets to leave its stamp on one of Queens’ busiest transit hubs. I thank Senator Leroy Comrie, Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman, the MTA, and everyone who helped make this well-deserved recognition possible.”

"For 60 years, York College has been a true pillar of higher education in our city, elevating and empowering countless students from Southeast Queens and across the world,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “This institution's impact is immeasurable, and it is only right that the subway station that serves the school is renamed in recognition of all that York College has meant to this community. Thank you to the MTA and our elected partners for securing this name change, which serves as a fitting tribute to the school that has contributed so much to Southeast Queens.”

“What an incredible gift for York College’s 60th anniversary to be the first college in Queens to have a subway station carry its name,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “Jamaica Center–York College is the ninth stop to include the name of a CUNY college, reflecting the continued collaboration between the MTA and CUNY as well as the guiding role that our colleges play in communities across New York City. We are thankful to have partners like State Senator Comrie and Assembly Higher Education Chair Hyndman who help put our colleges on the map.” 

Source: Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA)