#DidYouKnow that Gates Avenue on the BMT Jamaica Line is the oldest station in the entire #NYC subway system to be built as a rapid transit station? The title of oldest station in the system goes to Far Rockaway – Mott Avenue, which was originally served by the Long Island Railroad. However, while Far Rockaway – Mott Avenue was being converted to a subway station, it was out of service for nearly 8 years until 1958. This means that Gates Avenue is the oldest subway station to be in continuous operation.
The Gates Avenue subway station opened #OnThisDay 133 years ago for the BMT Lexington Avenue Line and on June 25th, 1888 the BMT Jamaica Line opened and ran from Driggs Avenue to Van Siclen Avenue. The free transfer at Gates Avenue to the Lexington Avenue Line was well-used until 1950 when the line closed to the west of Gates. Today, the station is served by the J at all times and the Z during rush-hour in the peak direction.
Do you visit this station on your daily commute?