Jamaica–179th Street: Key Terminal in Queens

The Jamaica–179th Street station is a major terminal station of the New York City Subway, located in the borough of Queens. It serves as the eastern terminus of the IND Queens Boulevard Line and is a vital hub for commuters in eastern Queens and surrounding areas. Its location in the heart of the Jamaica neighborhood makes it an essential access point for residents, workers, and students.

Connections and Services

The Jamaica–179th Street station is a single terminal station, not an interconnected station complex.

Jamaica–179th Street (IND Queens Boulevard Line)

• This station is the express terminal of the IND Queens Boulevard Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • E (blue) (local service north of Briarwood)
  • F (orange) (express service north of Forest Hills–71st Avenue)
• Main entrance address: Hillside Avenue between 179th Street and 180th Street, Jamaica, NY 11432

Layout and Platforms

• This station has four tracks and two island platforms.
• The outer tracks are typically used by F trains and the inner tracks by E trains, although this may vary.
• Entrances and exits are located at various points along Hillside Avenue, including 179th Place, 179th Street, and 180th Street.
• Currently, the station is not ADA-accessible (Americans with Disabilities Act).

As a terminal station, there are no direct transfers within the subway system, but it is an important connection point for numerous bus routes.

Importance and Location

• The station is located at the intersection of Hillside Avenue and 179th Street, in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Downtown Jamaica

    • Important commercial area with shops, restaurants, and services.
    • Nearby government offices and courthouses.
    • Connection to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) at Jamaica station (via bus or a longer walk).

  • Jamaica Estates and Jamaica Hills

    • Predominantly suburban residential neighborhoods north and east of the station.
    • Access to educational institutions such as St. John’s University.

  • Nearby Points of Interest

    • Captain Tilly Park: A nearby local park.
    • Jamaica Hospital Medical Center: A major medical center in the area.
    • Extensive network of MTA and Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) buses connecting to other parts of Queens and Nassau County.

History and Evolution

• The Jamaica–179th Street station was inaugurated on December 11, 1950.
• Its opening marked the completion of the IND Queens Boulevard Line extension from 169th Street.
• It has served as a crucial terminal since its opening, facilitating the travel of thousands of passengers daily.
• Various improvements and maintenance have been carried out over the years to preserve the station’s functionality.

Interesting Facts

• It is one of the busiest terminal stations outside of Manhattan.
• It acts as an important transfer hub for buses serving eastern Queens and Nassau County.
• The station has a large layup yard just east of the platforms for storing and turning trains.
• It is an essential starting point for many commuters heading to Manhattan and other parts of the city.