New E Train Subway Entrance Opens At World Trade Center Transportation Hub
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- For the first time since 9/11, commuters have access to the E train at the World Trade Center Transportation Hub.
The new entrance opened Monday on the second level in the northeast corner of the Oculus, providing direct access for PATH riders without going outside.
"I work in the World Trade Center, so every day I have to go up, around, over and out so going through is going to be a nice day," commuter Bobby Graham told CBS2's Ali Bauman.
The transportation hub already provides PATH riders a direct connection to 10 city subway lines.
"Now I don't have to go outside, especially when it's cold, so it's good," said commuter Albert Silver.
Among the 78,000 square feet of clean white marble, the new gateway even has some of its original flooring, ramp structure, doors and signs that were there before 9/11. One of the glass doors still bears the markings of the search for survivors, WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reported.
Frank Viera tells CBS2 the new entrance brings him back to that fateful day when he used to work at the World Trade Center.
"It makes me feel proud to come though here and be able to see this and see how much has changed over the years and be able to see the original Trade Center over here," said commuter Jennifer Friedman.
"I think they did a nice job," one commuter named Bill told Diamond. "It's beautiful, it's a beautiful mall, it's a beautiful job and it is nice to keep some of the history."
The opening is the finale of a year of activity at the hub. The western part of the Oculus opened in March and the rest opened in May.
The new E train entrance is not handicap accessible, but the Port Authority says it plans to build one in the future.
