Vectorial® bus platforms at the temporary Jamaica Bus Terminal, Queens, NYC.

In December 2024, the Metropolitan Transport Authority (MTA) of New York City launched an ambitious project to relocate the Jamaica Bus Terminal in Queens following the closure of the historic 165th Street terminal, originally built in 1938, for a significant renovation. The remodeling work may take up to 10 years to complete.

The new temporary terminal, covering an area of 85,000 ft², accommodates 15 MTA and NICE (Nassau Inter-County Express) bus routes, offering a spacious, safe, accessible, and comfortable environment for both passengers and bus drivers.

From the early stages of the project, ZICLA worked closely with the MTA to explore how to effectively integrate our Vectorial^® modular bus platforms while meeting the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). During the installation of the first platform, we traveled to New York City to support the MTA installation team, provide on-site technical assistance, and ensure a flawless result.

Project objectives.

The MTA’s goal was to create a temporary terminal that would allow bus operations to continue during the renovation of the original station. Key project requirements included:

• Transforming the new space to allow bus circulation.
• Ensuring compliance with ADA standards.
• Guaranteeing passenger safety using platforms and the integration of signage and waiting areas.
• Creating a bus stop layout that supports maneuverability for drivers and overall route efficiency.
• Adapting the reconfiguration of bus stops to existing street lighting and utility access covers with minimal difficulty.

Proposed solutions and implementation.

The MTA selected the Vectorial^® system for its modularity, durability, and ability to adapt to specific contextual needs. Five Vectorial® bus platforms were installed with island configuration, all featuring an integrated shelter that enhances the waiting and boarding experience for passengers. Additionally, Pointer^® Flex vertical traffic delineators were installed on the platforms to indicate their beginning and end, and to maximize their visibility from a distance.

Two of the platforms cover areas of 3,337 ft² each, while the other three measure 2,594 ft², 1,356 ft², and 506 ft², respectively.

Additionally, all necessary components were included to meet ADA accessibility standards:

• Road ramps with an 8% slope, in line with ADA requirements.
• Each platform features a perimeter composed of two modules with warning surfaces to indicate the edge of the platform.

The Vectorial^® system enabled a fast and efficient installation. ZICLA’s technical support contributed to a well-coordinated implementation adapted to local demands and the city’s accessibility requirements.

This project marks a milestone as the largest implementation of the Vectorial^® system at a temporary terminal in New York City, reaffirming the potential of our modular platform to transform large-scale urban transportation infrastructure.