Sutphin Boulevard station (IND Queens Boulevard Line)

The Queens Boulevard Line was one of the first built by the city-owned Independent Subway System (IND), and was planned to stretch between the IND Eighth Avenue Line in Manhattan and 178th Street and Hillside Avenue in Jamaica, Queens.See:

• {{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/09/22/archives/our-great-subway-network-spreads-wider-new-plans-of-board-of.html|title=Our Great Subway Network Spreads Wider; New Plans of Board of Transportation Involve the Building of More Than One Hundred Miles of Additional Rapid Transit Routes for New York|last1=Duffus|first1=R.L.|date=September 22, 1929|work=The New York Times|access-date=August 19, 2015|issn=0362-4331}}
• Board of Transportation of the City of New York Engineering Department, Proposed Additional Rapid Transit Lines And Proposed Vehicular Tunnel, dated August 23, 1929{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/58266784/?terms=%22178th%22%2Bsubway%2Bqueens|title=Queens Lauded as Best Boro By Chamber Chief|date=September 23, 1929|work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=October 4, 2015|page=40}} The line was first proposed in 1925.{{Cite news|date=1925-03-21|title=New Subway Routes in Hylan Program to Cost $186,046,000|language=en-US|page=1|work=The New York Times|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1925/03/21/101651400.pdf|access-date=2020-03-27|issn=0362-4331}} Construction of the line was approved by the New York City Board of Estimate on October 4, 1928.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/10/05/archives/17146500-voted-for-new-subways-estimate-board-appropriates-more.html|title=$17,146,500 Voted For New Subways; Estimate Board Appropriates More Than $9,000,000 for Lines in Brooklyn. $6,490,000 For The Bronx Smaller Items for Incidental Work --Approves the Proposed Queens Boulevard Route|date=October 5, 1928|work=The New York Times|access-date=August 4, 2016|issn=0362-4331}} On December 23, 1930, the contract for the construction of the section between 137th Street (now the Van Wyck Expressway) and 178th Street—Route 108, Section 11—was let. This section included the stations at 169th Street, Parsons Boulevard, Sutphin Boulevard, and Briarwood.{{Cite news|url=https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201930/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201930%20-%206775.pdf|title=178th Street Subway Stop Now Assured. Place Is Designated for Station by Transportation Board.|date=December 1, 1930|work=Long Island Daily Press|access-date=April 25, 2019|page=1}} As planned, Parsons Boulevard was to be an express stop, while the other three stations, including Sutphin Boulevard, would be local stops.{{cite news |date=23 Jul 1933 |title=22 Stations On New Subway Into Queens: Five Are Designated Express Stops on Transit Route, Which Ends at Jamaica |page=H2 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1114650593}}}} The contract for this section was awarded to Triest Contracting Corporation.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/clip/35885175/daily_news/|title=New Subway to Jamaica Ahead of Schedule Time|date=September 17, 1933|work=New York Daily News|access-date=September 12, 2019}} The line was constructed using the cut-and-cover tunneling method, and to allow pedestrians to cross, temporary bridges were built over the trenches.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yfz7w8mogvEC|title=Forest Hills|last1=Hirshon|first1=Nicholas|last2=Romano|first2=Foreword by Ray|date=January 1, 2013|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|isbn=978-0-7385-9785-0|language=en}}

The first section of the line opened on August 19, 1933 from the connection to the Eighth Avenue Line at 50th Street to Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights.{{Cite news|date=August 19, 1933|title=Two Subway Links Opened In Queens|page=13|work=The New York Times|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1933/08/19/105798178.pdf|access-date=December 11, 2016|issn=0362-4331}} Later that year, a $23 million loan was approved to finance the remainder of the line, along with other IND lines.{{cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2018/New%20York%20NY%20Sun/New%20York%20NY%20Sun%201933/New%20York%20NY%20Sun%201933%20a%20-%201882.pdf|title=Unfinished Sections of Subway Lines To Be Completed|date=December 13, 1933|work=The New York Sun|access-date=July 30, 2016|page=47}} The remainder of the line was built by the Public Works Administration.{{Cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52667032/?terms=Queens+Boulevard+subway|title=Trains Testing Jamaica Link Of City Subway|date=April 10, 1937|work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 24, 2018|page=3}} In summer 1933 work on this station and 169th Street were completed, far ahead of schedule. In 1934 and 1935, construction of the extension to Jamaica was suspended for 15 months and was halted by strikes.{{cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201936/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201936%20-%204852.pdf|title=Men Toil Under Earth to Build Subway|last1=Neufeld|first1=Ernest|date=August 23, 1936|work=Long Island Daily Press|access-date=August 12, 2016|page=2 (Section 2)}} Construction was further delayed due to a strike in 1935, instigated by electricians opposing wages paid by the General Railway Signal Company.See:

• {{cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201935/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201935%20-%201456.pdf|title=500 More Quit Subway Work On Boulevard: General Strike Order Issued Today; 72 Walk Out in Jamaica|date=April 2, 1935|work=Long Island Daily Press|access-date=July 30, 2016|page=2}}
• {{cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201935/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201935%20-%201456.pdf|title=Aldermen Probe Strike on Subway|date=April 3, 1935|work=Long Island Daily Press|access-date=July 30, 2016|page=4}}

In August 1936, tracks were installed all the way to 178th Street, and the stations to Union Turnpike were completed. The stops to the east, including Sutphin Boulevard, still needed to be tiled and did not have stairways, turnstiles and lighting installed. Two additional contracts remained to be put up for bid, both the results of last minute changes; one such contract involved moving the eastern terminal from 178th to 169th Street.{{cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201936/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201936%20-%204852.pdf|title=Men Toil Under Earth to Build Subway|last1=Neufeld|first1=Ernest|date=August 23, 1936|work=Long Island Daily Press|access-date=August 12, 2016|page=2 (Section 2)}} In addition, a new tunnel roof and new side supports had to be constructed.{{Cite news|url=https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201937/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201937%20-%201760.pdf|title=Two Crews Rush to Finish Last 200 Feet of Subwav: Work Must End April 3 to Allow Time for Tests|date=March 19, 1937|work=Long Island Daily Press|access-date=April 25, 2019|page=1}} A {{convert|3.5|mi|km|1|adj=on}} extension from Roosevelt Avenue to Kew Gardens opened on December 31, 1936.{{Cite news|date=December 31, 1936|title=City Subway Opens Queens Link Today|page=3|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/12/31/archives/city-subway-opens-queens-link-today-extension-brings-kew-gardens.html|access-date=April 26, 2016|issn=0362-4331}} In March 1937, the extension to 169th Street was expected to be opened on May 1, requiring work to be finished by April 3, and fully approved and tested by April 20. As of this point, minor station work remained, including the installation of light bulbs, with the only major work left to be completed being the final {{Convert|200|feet|meters|abbr=}} of track in the 169th Street terminal.

On April 9, 1937, Mayor Fiorello La Guardia announced that the operation of the $14.4 million extension to Jamaica and express service would begin on April 24.* {{cite news |date=March 17, 1937 |title=Subway Link Opens Soon: City Line to Jamaica Will Start About April 24 |work=The New York Times |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1937/03/17/118965719.pdf |access-date=June 27, 2015 |issn=0362-4331}}

• {{cite news |date=April 9, 1937 |title=Trial Run to Jamaica on Subway Tomorrow: Section From Kew Gardens to 169th Street Will Open to Public in Two Weeks |work=The New York Times |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1937/04/09/94351009.pdf |access-date=June 30, 2015 |issn=0362-4331}}{{cite news |date=10 Apr 1937 |title=Jamaica Ready For Opening of Subway April 24: Mayor Announcers Program Including Official Trip, Luncheon and a Parade |page=13 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1267763254}}}} The extension to Hillside Avenue and 178th Street, with a terminal station at 169th Street, opened as planned on April 24, 1937.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w8cDPQAACAAJ|title=Building the Independent Subway|last=Kramer|first=Frederick A.|date=1990|publisher=Quadrant Press|isbn=978-0-915276-50-9|language=en}}{{cite news |date=25 Apr 1937 |title=Jamaica Linked To City Subway With Ceremony: LaGuardia Assures 2,000 Queens Celebrants 'We'll Build More,' if Funds Hold Express Service Begun Official Inspection Held as Civic Groups Parade |page=13 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1222259975}}}} Service was initially provided by E trains, which began making express stops from 71st–Continental Avenues to Queens Plaza during rush hours on the same date, and by EE local trains during non-rush hours. The express service operated between approximately 6:30 and 10:30 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.,{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201937%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201937%2520-%25203227.pdf|title=Jamaica Will Greet Subway|date=April 23, 1937|work=The New York Sun|access-date=April 24, 2018|page=8}} and ran every three to five minutes.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/04/24/archives/transit-link-open-today-8th-ave-line-extended-to-jamaicacelebration.html|title=Transit Link Open Today; 8th Ave. Line Extended to Jamaica—Celebration Arranged|date=April 24, 1937|work=The New York Times|access-date=August 4, 2016|issn=0362-4331}} This extension was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Parsons Boulevard station and with a parade along Hillside Avenue.{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FFlushing%2520NY%2520North%2520Shore%2520%2520Daily%2520Journal%2FFlushing%2520NY%2520North%2520Shore%2520%2520Daily%2520Journal%25201937%2FFlushing%2520NY%2520North%2520Shore%2520%2520Daily%2520Journal%25201937%252001242.pdf|title=LaGuardia Heads Speakers Marking Subway Opening Ceremonies Planned Saturday Celebrating Hillside Avenue Extension|date=April 23, 2017|work=North Shore Daily Journal|access-date=November 19, 2017|page=3}} On December 15, 1940, {{NYCS|F}} trains began running via the newly opened IND Sixth Avenue Line and along the Queens Boulevard Line's express tracks; they skipped the Sutphin Boulevard station.See:
• {{cite journal|last1=Linder|first1=Bernard|date=December 2008|title=Sixth Avenue Subway Service Changes|url=https://issuu.com/erausa/docs/2008-12-bulletin/1|journal=New York Division Bulletin|publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association|volume=51|issue=12|pages=2–4|access-date=August 6, 2016}}
• {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/52773641/?terms=%22Ely%2BAve%22%2Bsubway%2Bqueens|title=New 6th Ave. Tube Will Be Boon to Queens Residents|date=December 8, 1940|newspaper=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=October 4, 2015|page=10}}

In 1953, the platforms at six Queens Boulevard Line stations, including Sutphin Boulevard, were lengthened to allow eleven-car trains. Originally, service was provided with ten-car trains.{{Efn|The subway cars on the IND were built to be {{convert|60|feet|m|1}} long. These cars typically operated in 10-car trains, with an entire train length being {{convert|600|feet|m|1}}. When platforms at stations such as Sutphin Boulevard were lengthened to accommodate 11-car trains, the platforms had to be extended an additional car length, or {{convert|60|feet|m|1}}, making the platform at least {{convert|660|feet|m|1}} long.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6WFHNSXBpocC&q=60|title=New York Subways: An Illustrated History of New York City's Transit Cars|last=Sansone|first=Gene|date=October 25, 2004|publisher=JHU Press|isbn=9780801879227|language=en}}{{Rp|185}}}} The New York City Board of Transportation had announced plans in November 1949 to spend $325,000 extending platforms at several IND stations, including 75th Avenue, to accommodate 11-car trains;{{Cite news|last=Bennett|first=Charles G.|date=1949-11-20|title=Transit Platforms on Lines in Queens to Be Lengthened; $3,850,000 Program Outlined for Next Year to Care for Borough's Rapid Growth|

language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/11/20/archives/transit-platforms-on-lines-in-queens-to-be-lengthened-3850000.html|access-date=2023-05-23|issn=0362-4331}}{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1325174459}} |title=37 Platforms On Subways To Be Lengthened: All Stations of B. M. T. and I.R.T.in Queens Included in $5,000,000 Program |date=20 Nov 1949 |page=32 |work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646}} the bid for the project went out in 1951.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y3McAQAAMAAJ&q=%2275th+Avenue%22|title=Proceedings of the New York City Board of Transportation|date=1951|publisher=New York City Board of Transportation|pages=53, 145, 255|language=en}} The project was estimated to be completed in 18 months.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/clip/35886110/the_brooklyn_daily_eagle/|title=Transit Board To Add 1 Car to Fulton St. IND Trains. 11-Car Units Will Ease Rush Hour Jam In Boro|last=Noonan|first=Dan|date=March 6, 1951|work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=September 12, 2019}} The lengthened trains began running during rush hour on September 8, 1953. Eleven-car trains would only operate on weekdays.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XZDVAAAAMAAJ&q=%22the+lengthening%22|title=Report|date=1953|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|language=en}}{{rp|37–38}} The extra car increased the total carrying capacity by 4,000 passengers. The lengthening project cost $400,000.{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1953/08/28/83735052.pdf|title=2 Subway Lines to Add Cars, Another to Speed Up Service|last=Ingalls|first=Leonard|date=August 28, 1953|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 25, 2016|issn=0362-4331}} The operation of eleven-car trains ended in 1958 because of operational difficulties. The signal blocks, especially in Manhattan, were too short to accommodate the longer trains, and the motormen had a very small margin of error to properly platform the train. It was found that operating ten-car trains allowed for two additional trains per hour to be scheduled.{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201962%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201962%2520-%25207607.pdf%23xml%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dfdc6273%26DocId%3D4233713%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520U%252dF%252dP%26HitCount%3D16%26hits%3D52%2Bc3%2B1ce%2B1de%2B203%2B24a%2B253%2B259%2B26a%2B270%2B278%2B287%2B299%2B2b3%2B2bc%2B2bd%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201962%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201962%2520-%25207607.pdf&xml=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dfdc6273%26DocId%3D4233713%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520U%252dF%252dP%26HitCount%3D16%26hits%3D52%2Bc3%2B1ce%2B1de%2B203%2B24a%2B253%2B259%2B26a%2B270%2B278%2B287%2B299%2B2b3%2B2bc%2B2bd%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|title=16-Point Plan Can Give Boro Relief Now|date=August 10, 1962|work=Long Island Star–Journal|access-date=April 24, 2018}}

Until the opening of the Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Avenue station on the Archer Avenue lines on December 11, 1988,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/12/09/nyregion/big-changes-for-subways-are-to-begin.html|title=Big Changes For Subways Are to Begin|last=Johnson|first=Kirk|date=December 9, 1988|work=The New York Times|access-date=July 5, 2009|issn=0362-4331}} this was the closest subway station to the Long Island Rail Road's Jamaica station.{{Cite web|url=http://www.subwaynut.com/ind/sutphinf/sutphinf23.jpg|title=Painted text still says To L.I.R.R. this was the closest IND station to it until the Archer Avenue extension in 1988|last=Cox|first=Jeremiah|date=January 3, 2012|website=subwaynut.com|access-date=August 26, 2019}} The opening of the Archer Avenue lines was expected to severely lessen congestion at the Sutphin Boulevard, Parsons Boulevard, and 169th Street stations. Ridership checks conducted before and after the opening of the new line showed that ridership at this station, between 5 and 10 a.m. on weekdays, decreased from 7,282 riders to 2,610 riders, a 64% decrease.* {{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48265864246/in/album-72157709598930241/|title=New York City Transit Authority Committee Agenda February 1989|date=February 17, 1989|website=Flickr|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|page=K-1|access-date=September 16, 2019}}

• {{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48265941122/in/album-72157709598930241/|title=New York City Transit Authority Committee Agenda February 1989|date=February 17, 1989|website=Flickr|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|page=K-2|access-date=September 16, 2019}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48265858306/in/album-72157709598930241/|title=New York City Transit Authority Committee Agenda February 1989|date=February 17, 1989|website=Flickr|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|page=K-7|access-date=September 16, 2019}}

In conjunction with the opening of the Archer Avenue lines, service patterns were changed. E trains were rerouted via the new line, running to Jamaica Center, via the Queens Boulevard Line's express tracks, and began running express east of 71st Avenue.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/12/09/nyregion/big-changes-for-subways-are-to-begin.html|title=Big Changes For Subways Are to Begin|last=Johnson|first=Kirk|date=December 9, 1988|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=June 6, 2016|issn=0362-4331}}{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ed43AQAAMAAJ&pg=SA3-PA6|title=Alternatives Analysis/Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Queens Subway Options Study|date=May 1990|publisher=United States Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Urban Mass Transit Administration|access-date=August 13, 2016}} Some E trains continued to run from 179th Street as expresses during the morning rush hour.{{Cite book|title=Archer Avenue Corridor Transit Service Proposal|date=August 1988|publisher=New York City Transit Authority, Operations Planning Department}}{{Rp|9–10}} Service at local stations, such as Sutphin Boulevard, was replaced by the R, which was extended to 179th Street from Continental Avenue. The R extension allowed F trains to continue running express to 179th Street.{{Cite news|title=New Subway Line Finally Rolling Through Queens|last=Polsky|first=Carol|date=December 11, 1988|work=Newsday}}{{Cite journal|date=1988|title=Archer Avenue Extension Opens December 11|journal=Welcome Aboard: Newsletter of the New York City Transit Authority|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|volume=1|issue=4|pages=1}} The changes in subway service angered riders at local stations east of 71st Avenue because they lost direct Queens Boulevard Express service. Local elected officials pressured the MTA to eliminate all-local service at these stations.{{Cite web|url=http://www.laguardiawagnerarchive.lagcc.cuny.edu/pages/FileBrowser.aspx?LinkToFile=FILES_DOC/QUEENS_FILES/03.012.0231.030137.6.PDF|title=Service Change Monitoring Report Six Month Evaluation of F/R Queens Boulevard Line Route Restructure|date=April 1993|website=www.laguardiawagnerarchive.lagcc.cuny.edu|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=December 28, 2018}} On September 30, 1990, the R was cut back to 71st Avenue outside of rush hours. Local service to 179th Street was replaced by F trains, which provided Queens Boulevard Express service, during middays, evenings, and weekends, and local G service during late nights.{{cite web|url=http://www.subwaynut.com/brochures/1990servicechanges.pdf|title=Service Changes September 30, 1990|date=September 30, 1990|website=subwaynut.com|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|access-date=May 1, 2016|archive-date=October 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026015324/http://www.subwaynut.com/brochures/1990servicechanges.pdf|url-status=dead}} In 1992, the MTA decided to have F trains run local east of 71st Avenue on a six-month trial basis to replace R service, which would be cut back to 71st Avenue at all times.{{Cite web|url=http://www.laguardiawagnerarchive.lagcc.cuny.edu/pages/FileBrowser.aspx?LinkToFile=FILES_DOC/QUEENS_FILES/03.012.0231.030147.3.PDF|title=Van Wyck Blvd Station|date=May 1992|website=www.laguardiawagnerarchive.lagcc.cuny.edu|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=December 28, 2018}} The test started on October 26, 1992 and was implemented on a permanent basis six months later, eliminating express service along Hillside Avenue.{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/30660280045/|title=October 1992 New York City Subway Map|date=October 1992|website=Flickr|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|access-date=October 30, 2016}}

In 2003, Metropolitan Transportation Authority proposed closing 177 part-time token booths, later reduced to 62,{{Cite web|url=http://www.shanahanlaw.com/Hevesi_Audit.pdf|title=An Examination of the Finances of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority April 2003|date=April 2003|publisher=Office of the State Deputy Comptroller for the City of New York|page=35|access-date=August 26, 2019|archive-date=February 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220093607/http://shanahanlaw.com/Hevesi_Audit.pdf|url-status=dead}} across the subway system and replace them with MetroCard Vending Machines and High-Entry/Exit Turnstiles to help cut the MTA's $1 billion deficit. The closure of booths began in August 2003.{{Cite news|url=https://qns.com/story/2003/08/06/closing-of-token-booths-draws-near-for-borough/|title=Closing of token booths draws near for borough|last=Newman|first=Philip|date=August 6, 2003|work=Queens Courier|access-date=August 26, 2019}} The station's part-time token booth at 144th Street was closed on August 17, 2003,{{Cite news|url=https://qns.com/story/2003/08/13/mta-to-close-token-booths-at-9-boro-sites/|title=MTA to close token booths at 9 boro sites|last=Newman|first=Philip|date=August 13, 2003|work=Queens Courier|access-date=August 26, 2019}} and automatic entrance to the 144th Street exits was provided at all times.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gothamgazette.com/transportation/1728-token-booth-closings|title=Token Booth Closings|last=Markowitz|first=Michael|date=February 24, 2003|website=Gotham Gazette|access-date=August 26, 2019}}

{{NYCS Platform Layout IND Queens Boulevard Line/local/east}}

This underground station has four tracks and two side platforms. The F train stops here at all times,{{NYCS const|timetable|f}} as do two weekday-evening E trains to Jamaica–179th Street.{{NYCS const|timetable|e}} The station is between Briarwood to the west and Parsons Boulevard to the east.{{NYCS const|map}} The two center express tracks are used by the limited rush hour E service to Jamaica–179th Street.{{NYCS const|trackref|trackbook3}} Some of the black columns separating the local and express tracks have white signs reading "Sutphin" in black lettering.{{Cite web|url=http://www.subwaynut.com/ind/sutphinf/sutphinf14.jpg|title=A small, original 'Sutphin' sign along the pillars between the express and local tracks at Sutphin Blvd.|last=Cox|first=Jeremiah|date=June 2, 2008|website=subwaynut.com|access-date=August 26, 2019}}

Both platforms have a yellow trim line with a black border and mosaic name tablets reading "SUTPHIN BLVD." in white sans-serif lettering on a black background and yellow border.{{Cite web|url=http://www.subwaynut.com/ind/sutphinf/sutphinf15.jpg|title=A name tablet at Sutphin Blvd with the arrowed tiling for 144th St underneath it.|last=Cox|first=Jeremiah|date=June 2, 2008|website=subwaynut.com|access-date=August 26, 2019}} The tile band is part of a color-coded tile system used throughout the IND.{{Cite news |date=August 22, 1932 |title=Tile Colors a Guide in the New Subway; Decoration Scheme Changes at Each Express Stop to Tell Riders Where They Are |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/08/22/archives/tile-colors-a-guide-in-the-new-subway-decoration-scheme-changes-at.html |url-status=live |access-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701184626/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/08/22/archives/tile-colors-a-guide-in-the-new-subway-decoration-scheme-changes-at.html |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}} The tile colors were designed to facilitate navigation for travelers going away from Lower Manhattan. As such, a different tile color is used at {{stn|Parsons Boulevard}}, the next express station to the east. The yellow tiles used at the Sutphin Boulevard station were also used at {{stn|Kew Gardens–Union Turnpike}}, the next express station to the west, and {{stn|Briarwood||IND Queens Boulevard Line}}, the only other local station between Union Turnpike and Parsons Boulevard.{{cite web | last=Carlson | first=Jen | title=Map: These Color Tiles In The Subway System Used To Mean Something | website=Gothamist | date=February 18, 2016 | url=https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/map-these-color-tiles-in-the-subway-system-used-to-mean-something | access-date=May 10, 2023}}{{cite web | last=Gleason | first=Will | title=The hidden meaning behind the New York subway's colored tiles | website=Time Out New York | date=February 18, 2016 | url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/blog/the-hidden-meaning-behind-the-new-york-subways-colored-tiles-021816 | access-date=May 10, 2023}} Small "SUTPHIN" and directional tile captions run below the trim line and name tablets.

Blue I-beam columns run along both platforms at regular intervals with alternating ones having the standard black station name plate in white lettering.{{Cite web|url=http://www.subwaynut.com/ind/sutphinf/sutphinf13.jpg|title=A view down the Manhattan bound platform at Sutphin Blvd.|last=Cox|first=Jeremiah|date=June 2, 2008|website=subwaynut.com|access-date=August 26, 2019}} At the northern end of the station, there are a few wider columns that are tiled.{{Cite web|url=http://www.subwaynut.com/ind/sutphinf/sutphinf16.jpg|title=The very western end of the platform at Sutphin Blvd, there are couple of columns that have tiling around them.|last=Cox|first=Jeremiah|date=June 2, 2008|website=subwaynut.com|access-date=August 26, 2019}} The I-beam piers are located every {{Convert|15|ft||abbr=|adj=}} and support girders above the platforms. The roof girders are also connected to columns in the walls adjoining each platform.{{Cite archive|collection=Records of the National Park Service, 1785 - 2006|institution=National Archives|item-url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_NY/05000672.pdf|series=National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records, 2013 - 2017|item=New York MPS Elmhurst Avenue Subway Station (IND)|item-id=05000672|box=National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records: New York}}{{Rp|3}} This station has a full length mezzanine above the platforms and tracks supported by blue I-beam columns, and allows for free crossovers between directions.{{Cite web|url=http://www.subwaynut.com/ind/sutphinf/sutphinf21.jpg|title=The turnstiles at the opposite end of the overpass are barely visible|last=Cox|first=Jeremiah|date=January 3, 2012|website=subwaynut.com|access-date=August 26, 2019}}

The tunnel is covered by a U-shaped trough that contains utility pipes and wires. The outer walls of this trough are composed of columns, spaced approximately every {{Convert|5|ft||abbr=}} with concrete infill between them. There is a {{Convert|1|in||abbr=|adj=on}} gap between the tunnel wall and the platform wall, which is made of {{Convert|4|in||abbr=|adj=on}}-thick brick covered over by a tiled finish. The columns between the tracks are also spaced every {{Convert|5|ft||abbr=}}, with no infill.{{Rp|3}}

File:Sutphin IND sta laundry 144 jeh.jpg

The main fare control area, formerly the station's full-time entrance,{{Cite web|url=http://www.subwaynut.com/ind/sutphinf/sutphinf1.jpg|title=Looking out the doors of a train stopped at Sutphin Blvd with name tablet visible as well as a staircase up to the mezzanine toward the exit at Sutphin Blvd.|last=Cox|first=Jeremiah|date=February 9, 2004|website=subwaynut.com|access-date=August 26, 2019}} is at the east (railroad north) end. It has a turnstile bank, full-time token booth, and three street stairs; {{as of|2007|alt=in 2007}}, the turnstile bank consisted of five regular turnstiles, a High Entry-Exit Turnstile, and a high exit-only turnstile.{{Cite book |url=https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/planning/download/pdf/applicants/env-review/jamaica/17_feis.pdf |title=Jamaica Rezoning Final Environmental Impact Statement |publisher=New York City Department of City Planning |page=17.4 |chapter=Chapter 17: Transit and Pedestrians |access-date=April 1, 2021 |date=2007}} Two stairs ascend to either southern corner of the T-intersection of Sutphin Boulevard and Hillside Avenue, and the other to the northwest corner of 148th Street and Hillside Avenue.{{cite web|title=Sutphin Boulevard Neighborhood Map|url=https://new.mta.info/sites/default/files/2018-04/Sutphin%20Blvd%20%28F%29%20web.pdf|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=August 26, 2019|date=April 2018}} On the opposite side of the full-time turnstile bank, there was an unstaffed fare control area that has a single staircase going down to each platform and is now gated off. The staircase to the Manhattan-bound platform is closed (directional mosaic signs still exist),{{Cite web|url=http://www.subwaynut.com/ind/sutphinf/sutphinf28.jpg|title=The former secondary staircase to the end of the Brooklyn & Manhattan platform|last=Cox|first=Jeremiah|date=January 3, 2012|website=subwaynut.com|access-date=August 26, 2019}} but the one to the 179th Street-bound platform remains open and has an exit-only turnstile.{{Cite web|url=http://www.subwaynut.com/ind/sutphinf/sutphinf25.jpg|title=The high exit turnstile with a single staircase to the front of the 179 Street-bound platform|last=Cox|first=Jeremiah|date=January 3, 2012|access-date=August 26, 2019}}

The other fare control area at the station's west end is unstaffed, containing just full-height turnstiles;{{Cite web|url=http://www.subwaynut.com/ind/sutphinf/sutphinf38.jpg|title=The high turnstiles at the 144 Street end of the station|last=Cox|first=Jeremiah|date=January 3, 2012|website=subwaynut.com|access-date=August 26, 2019}} in 2007, this fare control area contained two High Entry-Exit Turnstiles and two high exit-only turnstiles. There are two street stairs going up to the southwest and northeast corners of 144th Street and Hillside Avenue. Its part-time token booth was removed in 2003.

In the movie Coming to America, Eddie Murphy's character, Akeem, tries to persuade his love interest to marry him and go to Zamunda, a fictional kingdom in Africa. He follows her onto a New York City Subway train. When the train stops, she tells him "no" and gets off. Akeem stays on, dejected, and as the train leaves the station, "Sutphin" can be seen on the wall tiles.{{cite web|url=http://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/coming-to-america/article_9dc9c3c5-c423-562b-964d-034e3cad8f22.html|title=Coming To America|last=Schreil|first=Cristina|date=June 24, 2015|work=Queens Chronicle|access-date=April 28, 2016}}

• Sutphin Boulevard station (BMT Jamaica Line)
• Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Avenue–JFK Airport station

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Sutphin Boulevard (IND Queens Boulevard Line)}}

• {{NYCS ref|http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/stations?219:3194|IND Queens Boulevard Line|Sutphin Boulevard (179th Street Branch)}}
• Station Reporter — [https://web.archive.org/web/20150113015227/http://www.stationreporter.net/ftrain.htm F Train]
• The Subway Nut — [http://www.subwaynut.com/ind/sutphinf/index.php Sutphin Boulevard Pictures]
• [https://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=40.70562,-73.809628&spn=0,0.013765&z=17&layer=c&cbll=40.705501,-73.809579&panoid=FcQzvQhmkWRqUz7Vtiuxww&cbp=12,91.37,,0,6.68 Sutphin Boulevard entrance from Google Maps Street View]
• [https://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&layer=c&cbll=40.705242,-73.811912&panoid=nvKMNZ448WM_vOR_FvWsKA&cbp=12,87.28,,0,4.21&ll=40.704384,-73.810916&spn=0,0.009624&z=17 144th Street entrance from Google Maps Street View]
• [https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7054634,-73.8107986,3a,75y,169.94h,90.97t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1s-Evyko7rR9Vk%2FWHHkBrD1P9I%2FAAAAAAAAZws%2FcfIlTRFCZSsCSPsAXIJX7B8K8hKAjtUhwCLIB!2e4!3e11!6s%2F%2Flh6.googleusercontent.com%2F-Evyko7rR9Vk%2FWHHkBrD1P9I%2FAAAAAAAAZws%2FcfIlTRFCZSsCSPsAXIJX7B8K8hKAjtUhwCLIB%2Fw203-h100-p-k-no%2F!7i8000!8i4000!4m3!8m2!3m1!1e1 Platform from Google Maps Street View]

{{Jamaica, Queens}}

{{NYCS stations navbox by service|lf=y|lfx=y}}

{{NYCS stations navbox by line|queens=yes}}

Category:IND Queens Boulevard Line stations

Category:1937 establishments in New York City

Category:New York City Subway stations in Queens, New York

Category:Railway stations in the United States opened in 1937

Category:Jamaica, Queens