A heated waiting area was just one of the long-awaited upgrades that got a warm welcome from commuters. The new Grasmere Station House along the Staten Island Railway officially opened Tuesday.
"I'm kind of happy about it. Its getting cold out here. Its cold out here now. Somewhere you can sit is warm and safe," said a rider.
Lighting and security cameras were just some of the new additions to the station, a project many said took way too long to complete. Work began in 2012 and was supposed to be done a year later.
The MTA has said the delays were caused by unexpected structural issues, bad weather and access to utilities.
"Its ridiculous they took so long," said a rider.
"It's the MTA what do you expect?," added another.
The MTA says the next new station expected to open will be on Arthur Kill Road on the South Shore. Officials say it will replace both the Nassau and Atlantic Stations.
The MTA says the facility will have similar features to the Grasmere Station plus a parking lot that will hold 150 cars. We spoke to commuters at the Nassau Station will eventually close.
"It's definitely going to benefit people in that area. I am not sure how its going to benefit people coming here," said a rider.
"It's very nice. It's very beautiful." added another.
The Arthur Kill Station was supposed to open in the fall. The MTA says it will now be up and running in the spring.