VIDEO: Bedford Hills, Katonah Train Stations Renovated

A fresh coat of Hunter Green paint, new platform signs, more comfortable benches and repaired shelter heaters are just a few of the improved amenities at the Bedford Hills Train Station that are making the commute more pleasant.

The work recently completed in Bedford Hills was part of a program to enhance stations throughout the Metro-North system—13 have been completed with the goal of completing every station in the Hudson, Harlem and New Haven lines, Howard President, president of the railway, said on Friday at a press conference to unveil the station's new look.

Katonah benefitted from the program recently and work is also underway at the Chappaqua and Mt. Kisco stations. In addition, lead abatement was completed this year at the station building at Peekskill, which then was repainted in its historic color scheme.

The program signals Metro-North's desire to be a good neighbor, Permut added.

“We want to make sure our stations are an asset and a point of pride to all to use them," he said.

The work scope also includes energy efficient lighting, changing recycling bins if needed, replacing damaged protective film on windows that prevent scratches from ruining the glass, track cleaning, re-stenciling the ‘Watch the Gap’ signs, repairing damaged edge board (the wooden strip between the platform and the train), and power washing all station exterior surfaces, windows and overpasses.

The work was accomplished by "Paint Gangs," who start their shift at the station they are to paint, eliminating travel time and leading to greater productivity, said officials. Laborers from an array of trades—sheet metal workers, plumbers, masons, carpenters, electricians and elevator mechanics—supplement their work.

“The results of the Paint Gang initiative are a testament that management and labor can come together and produce a positive result for all,” said Chris Silvera, Secretary Treasurer of International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 808, which represents the painters. “And under the leadership of President Permut the company continues to reach out to labor to produce a better outcome for our customers."

Bedford Supervisor Lee Roberts said she appreciated Metro-North for making the daily commute more pleasant.

"Commuting can be an often stressful experience—having once commuted myself many moons ago, it's amazing the tremendous improvements that have taken place over the last 30 years. We thank Metro-North for beautifying our hamlets and for being partners with the town of Bedford," she said.