STV provided wayfinding planning, design and constructability services for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) at Jamaica Station, improving connections among LIRR, New York City Transit and AirTrain JFK services. The project created a more intuitive journey through the complex for airport-bound travelers and other transit customers.
What challenges did STV address?
Passengers transferring among LIRR, subway and AirTrain services faced a complex, multilevel station environment. Previous studies found that transfers could be difficult to navigate and that existing signage was undersized and not ideally located. STV also needed to coordinate the distinct signage standards of three transportation agencies while creating a consistent system that could be readily understood by international travelers.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV analyzed pedestrian movement across platforms, corridors, stairs, escalators and elevators under normal and emergency conditions. Based on field research and passenger-flow analysis, the team developed a revitalized wayfinding system using hundreds of strategically placed signs and a consistent “trailblazer” approach directing passengers to AirTrain. Improvements also included real-time LIRR and subway information displays, improved AirTrain information displays and upgraded lighting. STV provided construction-phase support, including RFI responses, shop drawing reviews and design support.
How does this project benefit the community?
The improvements clarify pedestrian routes between rail, subway and airport transit services, making Jamaica Station easier to navigate for airport travelers as well as everyday transit customers. Construction staging was also planned to minimize impacts to railroad operations and station users.
Key stats and accolades
- Six LIRR platforms
- Hundreds of strategically located wayfinding signs
- Services included signage/wayfinding, civil engineering, architecture, pedestrian simulations, transportation planning, site planning and rail planning
