Grand Central is currently going through an upgrade, and we’re not sure how to feel about the changes.
Earlier this week commuters were caught off guard when they entered Grand Central Terminal and saw a new, state-of-the-art “Big Board.”
Traveling through Grand Central Terminal? Check out our new real-time train information boards. #MNRWayAhead pic.twitter.com/V9dMkhH3id
— Metro-North Railroad (@MetroNorth) April 29, 2019
The departures and arrivals board will be made digital, and the changes are part of Metro-North’s Way Ahead plan to “enhance the day-to-day experience of commuting for [customers].” With everything going digital these days it was only a matter of time before this happened, but the board that’s been on display at the station (up until now) isn’t all that old—dating back to 1996.
That said, the design for the “Big Board” this time around will be completely new. During the 1996 renovations it became an LCD board but kept its old school “split-flap” design. The bright digital screen currently being phased in, however, are a shock to the system but seem inevitable. According to a report by Gothamist, the project should be completed sometime in June.
Other changes that will be taking place as part of this initiative at Grand Central Terminal include: new signs at each of the departure gates and throughout the terminal, replacing the antiquated public-address system, and installing ADA-compliant signs on the platforms.