Grand Central Madison#Art

{{short description|Long Island Rail Road station in Manhattan, New York}}

{{Infobox station

| name = Grand Central Madison

| style = LIRR

| image = Inaugural Train Ride To Grand Central Madison - 52648295102.jpg

| image_caption = One of Grand Central Madison's lower level platforms on opening day

| address =

| coordinates = {{Coord|40.7542|-73.9770|region:US-NY_type:railwaystation|display=it}}

| owned = Metropolitan Transportation Authority

| operator = MTA Grand Central Madison Concourse Operating Company{{Cite web |url=https://new.mta.info/document/102921 |title=MTA Grand Central Madison Concourse Operating Company Rules and Regulations |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |format=PDF}}

| line = Grand Central Branch

| platform = 4 island platforms

| tracks = 8

| connections = {{ubl

| File:BSicon BAHN.svg Metro-North Railroad: Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven Lines
at Grand Central Terminal

| {{rint|newyork|subway}} New York City Subway:
{{NYCS Grand Central|time=bullets}}
at {{stn|Grand Central–42nd Street}}

| {{bus icon}} NYCT Bus: {{NYC bus link|M1|M2|M3|M4|M42|M101|M102|M103|Q32}}

| {{bus icon}} MTA Bus, Academy Bus: express services

}}

| structure = Underground

| depth = {{cvt|140|ft|m}}

| levels = 2

| parking =

| bicycle =

| accessible = Yes

| architect = AECOM (structural engineering and architecture design){{cite web|title=Grand Central Madison to Set to Open|url=https://www.aiany.org/news/in-the-news-214/|website=New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects|access-date=January 28, 2023|date=January 18, 2023|last=Miller|first=Linda G.|archive-date=January 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128201836/https://www.aiany.org/news/in-the-news-214/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Grand Central Madison Opens Today, Featuring New Art From Yayoi Kusama And Kiki Smith|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/darrynking/2023/01/25/grand-central-madison-opens-today-featuring-new-art-from-yayoi-kusama-and-kiki-smith/?sh=2066d1e9751b|website=Forbes|date=January 25, 2023|last=King|first=Darryn|access-date=January 28, 2023|archive-date=January 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128201834/https://www.forbes.com/sites/darrynking/2023/01/25/grand-central-madison-opens-today-featuring-new-art-from-yayoi-kusama-and-kiki-smith/?sh=2066d1e9751b|url-status=live}}

| zone = Zone 1

| opened = January 25, 2023{{Cite web |title=East Side Access |url=https://new.mta.info/project/east-side-access/ |website=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |access-date=September 24, 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928114159/https://new.mta.info/project/east-side-access |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Introducing special Grand Central Direct service |url=https://new.mta.info/article/introducing-special-grand-central-direct-service |access-date=January 23, 2022 |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |archive-date=January 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124014628/https://new.mta.info/article/introducing-special-grand-central-direct-service |url-status=live}}

| passengers = 17.1 million annually{{cite web|title=Governor Hochul Celebrates Grand Central Madison's Inaugural Year |url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-celebrates-grand-central-madisons-inaugural-year|date=23 January 2024|publisher=New York State|accessdate=January 23, 2024}}

| pass_year =

| mpassengers =

| services = {{Adjacent stations|system=LIRR

|line1=Port Washington|right1=Woodside

|line2=Hempstead|right2=Woodside

|line3=Port Jefferson|right3=Woodside|to-right3=Huntington

|line4=Ronkonkoma|right4=Woodside|to-right4=Ronkonkoma

|line5=Far Rockaway|right5=Woodside

|line6=Babylon|right6=Woodside

|line7=West Hempstead|right7=Woodside

|line8=Long Beach|right8=Woodside

|line9=Belmont Park|right9=Woodside

}}

| mapframe = yes

| mapframe-custom = {{Infobox mapframe |shape=none |line=none |marker=rail |marker-color={{rcr|LIRR|City Terminal Zone}} |zoom=14 }}

}}

Grand Central Madison is a commuter rail terminal for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) in the Midtown East neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. Part of the East Side Access project, the new terminal started construction in 2008 and opened on January 25, 2023. The station sits beneath Grand Central Terminal, which serves the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)'s Metro-North Railroad.{{cite web |title=In "Caves" Below Grand Central, East Side Access Project on Track |website=The Villager |date=November 5, 2015 |last=Rack |first=Yannic |url=https://www.thevillager.com/2015/11/caves-grand-central-east-side-access-project-track/ | access-date=January 25, 2019 | archive-date=January 25, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125073413/https://www.thevillager.com/2015/11/caves-grand-central-east-side-access-project-track/ | url-status=live}}

Grand Central Madison was built to reduce travel times to and from Manhattan's East Side and to ease congestion at Penn Station, the West Side station where all Manhattan-bound LIRR trains had terminated since 1910. The new terminal enables passengers to transfer to Metro-North's Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven Lines, as well as the New York City Subway at Grand Central–42nd Street station.

Services

File:Inaugural Train Ride To Grand Central Madison - 52649236475.jpg on Track 303]]

The station serves the Long Island Rail Road's Main Line,{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/capital/comout_esa_alt.html |title=Capital Programs East Side Access |website=web.mta.info |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |language=en |access-date=February 3, 2018 |archive-date=February 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203124515/http://web.mta.info/capital/comout_esa_alt.html |url-status=live}} which connects to all passenger branches and almost all stations.{{cite web |title=LIRR Map |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |url=http://web.mta.info/lirr/Timetable/lirrmap.htm |access-date=February 2, 2019 |archive-date=May 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529224056/http://web.mta.info/lirr/Timetable/lirrmap.htm |url-status=live}} Service started on January 25, 2023 with a shuttle to Jamaica station. Full service at the station began on February 27, 2023, with trains continuing beyond Jamaica to most branches.{{cite web | title=LIRR full service begins Monday, 2/27, at Grand Central Madison; train schedules to change | website=ABC7 New York | date=February 27, 2023 | url=https://abc7ny.com/lirr-train-schedule-grand-central-madison-opens/12887154/ | access-date=February 27, 2023}}{{cite web | last=Castillo | first=Alfonso A. | title=East Side Access completed, LIRR riders get full service to Grand Central Madison Monday | website=Newsday | date=February 26, 2023 | url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/grand-central-madison-east-side-access-lirr-gpwsijw3 | access-date=February 27, 2023}}

Passengers traveling to and from non-electrified portions of the LIRR system (e.g., the Oyster Bay Branch or the Port Jefferson Branch east of Huntington) must transfer between trains at Jamaica station because the bilevel C3 coaches used in non-electrified areas cannot fit through the 63rd Street Tunnel.{{Cite book |url=http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_docs/feisfiles/28_comments_and_responses.pdf |title=East Side Access Environmental Impact Statement |date=March 2001 |work=mta.info |publisher=MTA Capital Construction |chapter=Chapter 28: Comments and Responses on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement |page=28.11 |access-date=February 2, 2018 |archive-date=March 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315133853/http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_docs/feisfiles/28_comments_and_responses.pdf |url-status=live}}

Grand Central Madison also provides an alternative route from the east side of Manhattan and from Metro-North lines to John F. Kennedy International Airport, via a connection with the AirTrain JFK people mover at the Jamaica station.{{cite web | last=Fox | first=Alison | title=It Just Got Easier to Get to New York City from JFK Airport | website=Travel + Leisure | date=January 26, 2023 | url=https://www.travelandleisure.com/new-york-city-grand-central-madison-jfk-7099572 | access-date=April 3, 2024}}

History

= Construction =

File:ESA Progress Photos - Concourse and Terminal.jpg

Formal proposals to bring Long Island Rail Road trains to the east side of Manhattan date to 1963.{{Cite book |url=http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_docs/feisfiles/01_purpose_and_need.pdf |title=East Side Access Environmental Impact Statement |chapter=Chapter 1: Purpose and Need |page=17 (PDF p. 20) |work=mta.info |publisher=MTA Capital Construction |date=March 2001 |access-date=February 2, 2018 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304073226/http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_docs/feisfiles/01_purpose_and_need.pdf |url-status=live}} In 1968, the 63rd Street Tunnel and a LIRR "Metropolitan Transportation Center" at 48th Street and Third Avenue were proposed as part of the Program for Action.{{cite web |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1968/02/29/77174644.pdf |title=$2.9-BILLION TRANSIT PLAN FOR NEW YORK AREA LINKS SUBWAYS, RAILS, AIRPORTS; 2-PHASE PROPOSAL Program by Governor Calls for $1.6-Billion in First 10 Years 2-PHASE PROPOSAL FOR TRANSIT GIVEN |last1=Witkin |first1=Richard |date=February 29, 1968 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 11, 2015 |archive-date=May 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507171133/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1968/02/29/77174644.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false |url-status=live}} After people living near the proposed transportation center objected, the MTA's board of directors voted to route LIRR trains to Grand Central by 1977.{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/07/09/archives/grand-central-gets-vote-as-lirr-site-authority-drops-its-3d-ave.html |title=GRAND CENTRAL GETS VOTE AS L.I.R.R. SITE |date=July 9, 1977 |website=The New York Times |access-date=December 24, 2018 |archive-date=December 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225031004/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/07/09/archives/grand-central-gets-vote-as-lirr-site-authority-drops-its-3d-ave.html |url-status=live}} However, the LIRR project was postponed indefinitely during the 1975 New York City fiscal crisis.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/10/11/archives/tunnel-project-five-years-old-wont-be-used-ravitch-orders-inquiry.html |title=Tunnel Project, Five Years Old, Won't Be Used |last=Andelman |first=David A. |date=October 11, 1980 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 20, 2011 |page=25 |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722213649/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/10/11/archives/tunnel-project-five-years-old-wont-be-used-ravitch-orders-inquiry.html |url-status=live}}

The East Side Access project was restarted after a study in the 1990s showed that more than half of LIRR riders work closer to Grand Central than to Penn Station.{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_docs/rod.pdf |title=Record of Decision (ROD) East Side Access Project |access-date=December 16, 2006 |publisher=US Department of Transportation |page=5 |archive-date=May 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520070023/http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_docs/rod.pdf |url-status=live}} The cost of the project, estimated at $4.4 billion in 2004, jumped to $6.4 billion in 2006{{cite web |last=Siff |first=Andrew |title=MTA Megaproject to Cost Almost $1B More Than Prior Estimate |website=NBC New York |date=April 16, 2018 |url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/East-Side-Access-MTA-Project-Cost-Infrastructure-479628223.html |access-date=April 16, 2018 |archive-date=April 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417024310/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/East-Side-Access-MTA-Project-Cost-Infrastructure-479628223.html |url-status=live}} and to $11.1 billion by 2017.{{cite web |last=Castillo |first=Alfonso A. |title=East Side Access price tag now stands at $11.2B |website=Newsday |date=April 15, 2018 |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/east-side-access-tour-1.18020231 | access-date=April 16, 2018 | archive-date=April 15, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415065109/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/east-side-access-tour-1.18020231 | url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=As Cost of Train Link Passes $11 Billion, M.T.A.'s Credibility Shrinks |website=The New York Times |date=April 25, 2018 |last=Fitzsimmons |first=Emma G. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/25/nyregion/mta-east-side-access-11-billion.html | access-date=October 4, 2018 | archive-date=October 4, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004064121/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/25/nyregion/mta-east-side-access-11-billion.html | url-status=live}} In May 2022, the MTA announced that the station would be named Grand Central Madison{{cite web |last1=Siff |first1=Andrew |last2=Vazquez |first2=Jennifer |title=East Side Access Terminal Gets New Name 'Grand Central Madison' |website=NBC New York |date=May 31, 2022 |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/east-side-access-terminal-gets-new-name-grand-central-madison/3713456/ |access-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601003038/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/east-side-access-terminal-gets-new-name-grand-central-madison/3713456/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Duggan |first=Kevin |title=East Side Access project, renamed 'Grand Central Madison,' will increase LIRR service by 40%, Hochul says |website=amNewYork |date=May 31, 2022 |url=https://www.amny.com/transit/lirr-grand-central-mta-hochul/ | access-date=May 31, 2022 | archive-date=June 3, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603011618/https://www.amny.com/transit/lirr-grand-central-mta-hochul/ | url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Siff |first1=Andrew |last2=Vazquez |first2=Jennifer |title=A Look Inside the New East Side Access Terminal 'Grand Central Madison' |website=NBC New York |date=March 29, 2022 |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/a-look-inside-the-new-east-side-access-terminal-grand-central-madison/3620731/ | access-date=May 31, 2022 | archive-date=May 23, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523172151/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/a-look-inside-the-new-east-side-access-terminal-grand-central-madison/3620731/ | url-status=live}} because it sits under Grand Central Terminal and the "Madison Avenue corridor".{{cite press release |title=Governor Hochul Announces New Long Island Rail Road Terminal in Midtown Manhattan Will Be Named Grand Central Madison |publisher=Office of Governor Kathy Hochul |date=November 7, 2014 |url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-new-long-island-rail-road-terminal-midtown-manhattan-will-be-named | access-date=May 31, 2022 | archive-date=June 3, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603012051/https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-new-long-island-rail-road-terminal-midtown-manhattan-will-be-named | url-status=live}}

= Opening and early years =

The LIRR received operational control of Grand Central Madison on December 9, 2022, upon which the station and tracks became subject to Federal Railroad Administration regulations.{{cite web |last=Brachfeld |first=Ben |title=LIRR assumes operational control of Grand Central Madison, but still no opening date |website=amNewYork |date=December 11, 2022 |url=https://www.amny.com/news/lirr-control-grand-central-madison/ |access-date=December 12, 2022 |archive-date=December 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211214627/https://www.amny.com/news/lirr-control-grand-central-madison/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Yanes |first=Darwin |title=LIRR takes operational control of Grand Central Madison, MTA says |website=Newsday |date=December 11, 2022 |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/grand-central-madison-lirr-mta-operational-control-o9293qc6 |access-date=December 12, 2022 |archive-date=December 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211233535/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/grand-central-madison-lirr-mta-operational-control-o9293qc6 |url-status=live}} A few weeks later, the MTA postponed the station's planned December 2022 opening because of a single ventilation fan that could not exhaust enough air.{{cite web |last=Sanderson |first=Bill |title=Balky ventilation fan last hurdle keeping LIRR trains from Grand Central |website=New York Daily News |date=December 21, 2022 |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-mta-grand-central-fan-delays-lirr-service-start-20221221-4tvycd7lcnbxbinmnlwhym3bhq-story.html |access-date=December 25, 2022 |archive-date=December 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225014343/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-mta-grand-central-fan-delays-lirr-service-start-20221221-4tvycd7lcnbxbinmnlwhym3bhq-story.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Castillo |first=Alfonso A. |title=MTA chairman Janno Lieber: East Side Access opening held up by exhaust fan |website=Newsday |date=December 21, 2022 |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/east-side-access-opening-exhaust-fan-djjj20qa |access-date=December 25, 2022 |archive-date=December 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225014625/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/east-side-access-opening-exhaust-fan-djjj20qa |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Siff |first=Andrew |title=Grand Central Madison Won't Open in 2022 - Here's Target Date for NYC's New LIRR Stop |website=NBC New York |date=December 29, 2022 |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/grand-central-madison-wont-open-in-2022-heres-target-date-for-nycs-new-lirr-stop/4020235/ |access-date=December 30, 2022 |archive-date=December 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230090311/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/grand-central-madison-wont-open-in-2022-heres-target-date-for-nycs-new-lirr-stop/4020235/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Chayes |first=Matthew |title=Grand Central Madison will not open in 2022, MTA says |website=Newsday |date=December 29, 2022 |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/grand-central-madison-opening-plan-yqs17iwg |access-date=December 30, 2022 |archive-date=December 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229233527/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/grand-central-madison-opening-plan-yqs17iwg |url-status=live}}

On January 23, 2023, officials said the station would open and revenue service would begin on January 25.{{cite web |last=Castillo |first=Alfonso A. |title=LIRR Grand Central Madison service to begin on Wednesday |website=Newsday |date=January 24, 2023 |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/grand-central-madison-opening-lirr-h5jtaglk |access-date=January 24, 2023 |archive-date=January 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124015543/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/grand-central-madison-opening-lirr-h5jtaglk |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Siff |first=Andrew |title=NYC's New LIRR Stop at Grand Central Madison Set to Open This Week - What to Know |website=NBC New York |date=January 23, 2023 |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nycs-new-lirr-stop-at-grand-central-madison-set-to-open-this-week-what-to-know/4063632/ |access-date=January 24, 2023 |archive-date=January 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124034103/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nycs-new-lirr-stop-at-grand-central-madison-set-to-open-this-week-what-to-know/4063632/ |url-status=live}} The initial service was a shuttle, known as Grand Central Direct, to and from Jamaica station, with some trains running express and others making intermediate stops at Woodside, Forest Hills, and Kew Gardens.

The MTA announced on February 8 that it would begin full service on February 27.{{cite news |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-grand-central-madison-full-lirr-service-long-island-feb-27-20230208-po2wrgconbgexgohotpjz5n3sa-story.html |title=Full LIRR service starting at Grand Central Terminal on Feb. 27 |work=New York Daily News |first=Evan |last=Simko-Bednarski |date=February 8, 2023 |access-date=February 8, 2023}} The Biltmore Connection to Grand Central Terminal's Biltmore Room opened in May 2023.{{cite web | title=MTA Announces Opening of Grand Central Madison Escalators and Elevator at 43rd Street into Historic Biltmore Room | website=City Life Org | date=May 8, 2023 | url=https://thecitylife.org/2023/05/08/mta-announces-opening-of-grand-central-madison-escalators-and-elevator-at-43rd-street-into-historic-biltmore-room/ | access-date=July 17, 2023}} The MTA upgraded cellular service within the Grand Central Madison station and surrounding tunnels in late 2023.{{cite web | last=Zou | first=Dandan | title=LIRR commuters to get better cell service at Grand Central Madison, Atlantic Terminal, tunnels, MTA says | website=Newsday | date=November 21, 2023 | url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/cell-service-lirr-grand-central-madison-tunnels-hn2q9acg | access-date=November 26, 2023}}{{cite web | last=Wassef | first=Mira | title=MTA upgrades cell service in LIRR tunnels, terminals | website=PIX11 | date=November 21, 2023 | url=https://pix11.com/news/transit/mta-upgrades-cell-service-at-key-lirr-stops-including-grand-central-madison/ | access-date=November 26, 2023 | archive-date=November 26, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126035335/https://pix11.com/news/transit/mta-upgrades-cell-service-at-key-lirr-stops-including-grand-central-madison/ | url-status=dead }}

In early 2024, the MTA board voted to buy a battery-powered locomotive to serve as a "rescue locomotive" that could tow disabled passenger trains through the 63rd Street Tunnel.{{cite web |last=Castillo |first=Alfonso A. |date=February 15, 2024 |title=LIRR adding battery-powered 'rescue engine' for Grand Central Madison tunnels |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/rescue-engine-yaphank-station-caasu4wi |access-date=February 17, 2024 |website=Newsday}} The line had lacked one because the LIRR's locomotives could only fit through the larger East River Tunnels.{{cite web | last=Castillo | first=Alfonso A. | title=LIRR doesn't have 'rescue locomotive' for East Side Access tunnels if power goes out | website=Newsday | date=January 19, 2023 | url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/rescue-locomotive-east-side-access-y6tmoyaq | access-date=February 17, 2024}} In March 2024, Tracks Raw Bar and Grill became the first commercial tenant to sign a lease at Grand Central Madison.{{cite web | last=Cook | first=Lauren | title=beloved Penn Station haunt | website=PIX11 | date=March 25, 2024 | url=https://pix11.com/news/local-news/tracks-bar-to-open-at-grand-central-lirr/ | access-date=March 30, 2024|postscript=none}}; {{cite web | last=Khalifeh | first=Ramsey | title=LIRR commuter classic Tracks Bar to be MTA's first Grand Central Madison tenant | website=Gothamist | date=March 24, 2024 | url=https://gothamist.com/news/lirr-commuter-classic-tracks-bar-to-be-mtas-first-grand-central-madison-tenant | access-date=March 30, 2024}} The following month, the MTA issued a formal request for proposals for the station's retail space.{{cite web |date=April 2, 2024 |title=Grand Central Madison: MTA eyes future of dining and retail at new LIRR terminal in New York City |url=https://abc7ny.com/grand-central-madison-mta-unveils-plan-for-dining-and-retail-at-new-lirr-terminal-in-york-city/14606483/ |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=ABC7 New York}}{{cite web |date=April 2, 2024 |title=MTA looks to add retail and dining to Grand Central Madison |url=https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/transit/2024/04/02/mta-looks-to-add-retail-and-dining-to-grand-central-madison |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=Spectrum News NY1 |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Ben |date=April 2, 2024 |title=MTA seeks master tenant for Grand Central Madison |url=https://pix11.com/news/local-news/mta-seeks-master-tenant-for-grand-central-madison/ |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=PIX11}} The station was to have separate dining and retail areas.

Parts of the station remained incomplete a year and a half after the station opened.{{cite web | last=Khalifeh | first=Ramsey | title=MTA still finishing 'miscellaneous' work at Grand Central Madison, 18 months after it opened | website=Gothamist | date=August 4, 2024 | url=https://gothamist.com/news/mta-still-finishing-miscellaneous-work-at-grand-central-madison-18-months-after-it-opened | access-date=August 6, 2024}}{{cite web | last=Spivack | first=Caroline | title=MTA to spend millions more to finish Grand Central Madison | website=Crain's New York Business | date=August 29, 2024 | url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/transportation/mta-spend-millions-finish-grand-central-madison | access-date=August 30, 2024}} The MTA began looking for a contractor to finish the last portions of the station that August at a cost of up to $50 million. In October, MTA and developer BXP began building a new entrance from the intersection of 45th Street and Madison Avenue, where BXP was erecting a new building.{{cite web |last=Small |first=Eddie |date=October 1, 2024 |title=MTA, BXP break ground on long-awaited Grand Central Madison entrance |url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/real-estate/mta-bxp-break-ground-343-madison-entrance |access-date=October 1, 2024 |website=Crain's New York Business}}{{cite web |last=Heyward |first=Giulia |date=October 1, 2024 |title=New entrance planned for LIRR's Grand Central Madison to improve accessibility |url=https://gothamist.com/news/new-entrance-planned-for-lirrs-grand-central-madison-to-improve-accessibility |access-date=October 1, 2024 |website=Gothamist}} At the time, the entrance was planned to be completed in 2026.{{cite web |last=Castillo |first=Alfonso A. |date=October 1, 2024 |title=New Grand Central Madison entrance coming for LIRR commuters |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/grand-central-entrance-itt227hx |access-date=October 1, 2024 |website=Newsday}}{{cite web |last=Jack |first=Dominique |date=October 1, 2024 |title=MTA breaks ground on new entrance for Grand Central Madison |url=https://pix11.com/news/local-news/mta-breaks-ground-on-new-entrance-for-grand-central-madison/ |access-date=October 1, 2024 |website=PIX11}} A waiting area also opened at the station in late 2024, near the 47th Street entrance.{{cite web | last=Smith | first=Tara | title=LIRR passengers get new seating at Grand Central Madison | website=Newsday | date=October 19, 2024 | url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/lirr-seating-grand-central-np3r26i5 | access-date=October 20, 2024|postscript=none}}; {{cite web | last=Euzarraga | first=Matthew | title=MTA unveils new seating area with a time limit at Grand Central Madison | website=PIX11 | date=October 19, 2024 | url=https://pix11.com/news/transit/mta-unveils-new-seating-area-with-90-minute-limit-at-grand-central-madison/amp/ | access-date=October 20, 2024}} In December, UNESCO gave its 2024 Prix Versailles Interior Award to Grand Central Madison, calling the station one of the world's most beautiful.{{cite web |last=Kumamoto |first=Ian |date=December 4, 2024 |title=Grand Central Madison was named one of the most beautiful stations in the world |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/grand-central-madison-was-named-one-of-the-most-beautiful-stations-in-the-world-120424 |access-date=December 5, 2024 |website=Time Out New York|postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Kriegstein |first=Brittany |date=December 4, 2024 |title=Grand Central Madison named 'World's Most Beautiful Passenger Station' interior |url=https://gothamist.com/news/grand-central-madison-named-worlds-most-beautiful-passenger-station-interior |access-date=December 5, 2024 |website=Gothamist}} At the end of 2024, the storefronts at Grand Central Madison remained vacant, and Tracks Raw Bar and Grill had not yet opened.{{cite web |last=Ramsay |first=James |date=December 19, 2024 |title=Despite MTA promise, Grand Central Madison still doesn't have a restaurant 2 years in |url=https://gothamist.com/news/despite-mta-promise-grand-central-madison-still-doesnt-have-a-restaurant-2-years-in |access-date=December 20, 2024 |website=Gothamist}}

The MTA announced in February 2025 that it was no longer looking for a master tenant to take over the retail space at Grand Central Madison, since most of the station's retail space had been leased out.{{cite web |last=Mullarkey |first=Maureen |date=February 4, 2025 |title=Grand Central Madison welcomes new vendors, as MTA dismisses 'master' tenant concept |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/grand-central-madison-retail-restaurant-orenl1z2 |access-date=February 6, 2025 |website=Newsday}} Due to issues with the ventilation system, the stores are not scheduled to open until 2026.{{cite web |last=Engquist |first=Erik |date=February 19, 2025 |title=The Daily Dirt: Empty feeling at Grand Central Madison |url=https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2025/02/19/mta-aims-to-fill-grand-central-madisons-vacant-retail-space/ |access-date=February 19, 2025 |website=The Real Deal}}{{cite web |last=Simko-Bednarski |first=Evan |date=February 4, 2025 |title=Shopping at Grand Central Madison LIRR terminal wont happen until next year: MTA |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/02/04/shopping-at-grand-central-madison-lirr-terminal-wont-happen-until-next-year-mta/ |access-date=February 6, 2025 |website=New York Daily News}}

Station layout

The station has an area of {{cvt|700,000|sqft|m2}}, including {{cvt|120,000|sqft}} for passengers and {{cvt|25,000|sqft}} of retail space.{{Cite web |last=Chung |first=Jen |date=November 4, 2015 |url=http://gothamist.com/2015/11/04/east_side_access_photos.php |title=Photos: Inside the MTA's "Mega" East Side Access Project, Opening in 2022ish |website=Gothamist |access-date=March 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208111232/http://gothamist.com/2015/11/04/east_side_access_photos.php |archive-date=December 8, 2016 |url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |url=https://new.mta.info/grandcentralmadison |title=Introducing LIRR service to Grand Central |access-date=June 1, 2022 |website=MTA}} There are 22 elevators in the station, which also has 47 escalators—more than in the rest of the LIRR.{{Cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303592404577363870044817572 |title=MTA Focuses on Ups, Downs |last=Mann |first=Ted |date=April 26, 2012 |website=Wall Street Journal |url-access=subscription |access-date=August 5, 2016 |archive-date=January 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110100458/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303592404577363870044817572 |url-status=live}}

= Concourse =

The retail and dining concourse, called the Madison Concourse, is reached from street level or the Metro-North terminal via stairwells and elevators.{{cite news |url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/MTA-East-Side-Access-Project-Grand-Central-Terminal-Long-Island-Rail-Road-Tour-340356972.html |title=Massive East Side Access Project Rolling On Under Grand Central |last=Dobnik |first=Verena |date=November 4, 2015 |access-date=January 19, 2016 |website=nbcnewyork.com |archive-date=December 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191201005016/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/MTA-East-Side-Access-Project-Grand-Central-Terminal-Long-Island-Rail-Road-Tour-340356972.html |url-status=live}} It sits at the same depth as the western part of Metro-North's Lower Level, underneath tracks 38 to 42 of Metro-North's Upper Level and Vanderbilt Avenue.{{cite web|title=Assessment of The Upper Level Loop Alternative For the Manhattan Portion Of the East Side Access Project|url=http://www.irum.org/delcan_r.pdf|publisher=The Institute for Rational Urban Mobility, Inc.|year=2004|access-date=January 26, 2023|archive-date=October 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006043805/http://www.irum.org/delcan_r.pdf|url-status=live}} The concourse contains a ticket office, ticketed waiting area, nursing room, and customer-service office under 47th Street. It also has restrooms, ticket machines, and retail spaces throughout the concourse.{{cite web|title=Everything you need to know about Grand Central Madison|url=https://new.mta.info/agency/long-island-rail-road/grand-central-madison-guide|publisher=MTA|accessdate=January 25, 2022|archive-date=January 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124014648/https://new.mta.info/agency/long-island-rail-road/grand-central-madison-guide|url-status=live}} The only seating in the terminal is in the ticketed waiting area, which contains 29 seats; passengers can be fined $50 if they stay in the waiting area for more than 90 minutes. An MTA spokesperson said the rule was an extension of an existing restriction at Grand Central Terminal and that "a customer should not have to wait more than 90 minutes to catch their train, barring a significant service disruption".{{cite web | last=Brachfeld | first=Ben | title=MTA will fine you up to $50 for sitting too long at Grand Central Madison | website=amNewYork | date=March 27, 2023 | url=https://www.amny.com/transit/mta-will-fine-you-50-for-sitting-too-long-at-grand-central-madison/ | access-date=March 28, 2023}}

The LIRR terminal has entrances from Grand Central Terminal's Dining Concourse and Biltmore Room, and the MTA added new entrances to the LIRR station at 45th, 46th, and 48th streets.{{cite web |last=Ocean |first=Justin |title=Inside the Massive New Rail Tunnels Beneath NYC's Grand Central |website=Bloomberg.com |date=November 4, 2015 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/photo-essays/2015-11-04/lirr-east-side-access-grand-central-terminal-tunnels-construction |access-date=February 2, 2018 |archive-date=February 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204093250/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/photo-essays/2015-11-04/lirr-east-side-access-grand-central-terminal-tunnels-construction |url-status=live}}{{Cite map |title=Long Island Rail Road Grand Central Service Madison Concourse Map |date= |url=https://new.mta.info/document/88246 |cartography= |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |language=en |format=PDF |access-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603011635/https://new.mta.info/document/88246 |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |url-status=live}} In 2021, the 45th Street entrance alone was projected to serve 10,000 passengers per day.

File:GCM Opening - 52649355234.jpg|Concourse entrance from the Metro-North terminal

File:GCM (52604452367).jpg|Wide-angle view of the concourse

File:Grand Central Madison - Opening Day - Ticket Counter.jpg|Ticket counter and TVMs

File:Grand Central Madison - Opening Day - Ticketed Waiting Area.jpg|Ticketed waiting area

= Mezzanine =

A mezzanine sits on a center level between the LIRR's two track levels.{{cite web |url=http://liherald.com/stories/east-side-access-transforming-the-long-island-rail-road,106293 |title=East Side Access transforming the LIRR |date=August 21, 2018 |last=Brinton |first=Scott |website=Herald Community Newspapers |access-date=September 23, 2018 |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813054155/https://www.liherald.com/stories/east-side-access-transforming-the-long-island-rail-road,106293 |url-status=live}} It is more than {{cvt|140|ft|m}} deep below Park Avenue, and is connected to the Concourse via four banks of escalators up to {{cvt|180|ft|m}} long and descend more than {{cvt|90|ft|m}} under 45th, 46th, 47th, and 48th Streets,{{cite web |title=Hochul takes test run of delayed LIRR train to Grand Central scheduled to open in 2022 |website=WSHU |date=November 2, 2021 |last=Taku |first=Julio |url=https://www.wshu.org/long-island-news/2021-11-02/hochul-takes-test-run-of-delayed-lirr-train-to-grand-central-scheduled-to-open-in-2022 |access-date=June 3, 2022 |archive-date=August 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812020805/https://www.wshu.org/long-island-news/2021-11-02/hochul-takes-test-run-of-delayed-lirr-train-to-grand-central-scheduled-to-open-in-2022 |url-status=live}} in which one of its largest has more than five escalators.{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_docs/feisfiles/02_project_alternatives.pdf |title=East Side Access Project, Final Environmental Impact Statement |access-date=December 16, 2006 |page=22 |archive-date=February 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206131433/http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_docs/feisfiles/02_project_alternatives.pdf |url-status=live}} One of these escalators is also the longest escalator in the city.{{cite web|first=Derick|last=Waller|title=Commuters can finally travel on LIRR to Grand Central|url=https://abc7ny.com/lirr-grand-central-commuter-train-long-island-rail-road/12733638/|date=January 25, 2023|access-date=January 29, 2023|archive-date=January 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128083009/https://abc7ny.com/lirr-grand-central-commuter-train-long-island-rail-road/12733638/|url-status=live}} The escalators and elevators are among the few which are privately operated in the entire MTA system. Additionally, the tiling around the sets of escalators and lights in the mezzanine near each set of escalators exhibits a degree of color coordination, with the set under 45th Street's lighting and tiling in shades of light green, 46th Street's in shades of blue, 47th Street's in shades of purple and 48th Street's in shades of cyan.

File:GCM (52604952021) (cropped).jpg|Escalator cavern connecting the concourse and mezzanine

File:GCM (52604452097).jpg|Artwork at the mezzanine level

File:GCM (52605375070).jpg|Track entrance from the mezzanine

= Platforms and tracks =

File:GCM (52605456333).jpg

LIRR trains arrive and depart from the twin station caverns and through a tunnel located {{cvt|140|ft}} below Park Avenue and more than {{cvt|90|ft|m}} below the Metro-North tracks.{{Cite web |last=Kabak |first=Benjamin |date=April 30, 2012 |title=A look at the East Side Access escalators |url=http://secondavenuesagas.com/2012/04/30/a-look-at-the-east-side-access-escalators/ |access-date=August 16, 2020 |website=Second Ave. Sagas |language=en-US |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925102130/http://secondavenuesagas.com/2012/04/30/a-look-at-the-east-side-access-escalators/ |url-status=live}}

The LIRR terminal contains four platforms and eight tracks (numbered 201–204 and 301–304) in two bi-level caverns.{{cite web |last=Newman |first=Philip |date=February 10, 2016 |url=http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2016/6/access_2016_02_05_q.html |title=MTA OK's contract for East Side Access |website=TimesLedger |access-date=February 17, 2016 |archive-date=February 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214030830/http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2016/6/access_2016_02_05_q.html |url-status=live}} There are four tracks and two platforms in each of the two caverns, with each cavern containing two tracks on one island platform per level.

= Exits =

The MTA originally planned to build and open entrances at 44th, 45th, 47th, and 48th Streets.{{Cite book |url=http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_docs/eafiles06/Appendix%20B%20Upper%20Level%20Loop%20Alternative%20Analysis.pdf |title=East Side Access Modification to Environmental Impact Statement |chapter=Appendix B: Upper Level Loop Analysis |work=mta.info |publisher=MTA Capital Construction |date=April 2006 |access-date=February 2, 2018 |archive-date=August 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825085744/http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_docs/eafiles06/Appendix%20B%20Upper%20Level%20Loop%20Alternative%20Analysis.pdf |url-status=live}}{{rp|3}}{{Cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_docs/MTA_LIRR_ESA_Environmental_Re-Evaluation_Consulation_Form_Review_5-4-2018.pdf |title=MTA LIRR East Side Access Environmental Re-Evaluation Consultation Form Review |date=May 4, 2018 |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |access-date=February 5, 2019 |archive-date=February 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207020134/http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_docs/MTA_LIRR_ESA_Environmental_Re-Evaluation_Consulation_Form_Review_5-4-2018.pdf |url-status=live}}{{rp|5}} The station connects to existing entrances at Grand Central North. The new LIRR station also contains entrances at 335 Madison Avenue, near the southeast corner with 44th Street; at 270 Park Avenue and 280 Park Avenue near 47th and 48th–49th Streets, respectively; and at 347 Madison Avenue, on the east side of the avenue at 45th Street. An entrance on 46th Street between Lexington and Park Avenue was also built, connecting with Grand Central North.{{rp|5–6}} However, the MTA later announced its intent to defer construction of an entrance at 48th Street because the owner of 415 Madison Avenue wanted to undertake a major construction project on the site.{{rp|7}} The MTA also connected the new station to the existing 47th Street cross-passage.{{rp|3}}

Another entrance with an elevator, a stair, and two staircases is being developed at 45th Street {{As of|2024|lc=y}}. Two entrances north of 47th Street are being planned as well.

Art

File:GCM (52605203234).jpg mosaic]]

Like the art in the original Grand Central Terminal, the new station includes permanent site-specific works of art. Among them are five large glass mosaics on natural themes by Kiki Smith. The Madison Concourse level contains River Light, an {{cvt|80|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} abstract, largely blue-and-white depiction of sunshine on the East River.{{Cite news |last=Loos |first=Ted |date=November 30, 2022 |title=Now Arriving: Yayoi Kusama and Kiki Smith's Grand Central Madison Mosaics |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/30/arts/design/grand-central-madison-kiki-smith-yayoi-kusama.html |access-date=December 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205093047/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/30/arts/design/grand-central-madison-kiki-smith-yayoi-kusama.html |url-status=live}} The other four, one level down in the LIRR mezzanine, are: The Presence, a landscape with a deer; The Sound, a seascape with a gull; The Spring, featuring four turkeys; and The Water's Way, a beach scene. "I wanted places for people to say, 'Meet you by the deer'," Smith told the New York Times.

The Madison Concourse level also holds an even larger {{cvt|120|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} mosaic by Yayoi Kusama: A Message of Love, Directly from My Heart unto the Universe.