Mike R.
Yelp
This 42nd Street Port Authority Subway Station is so important, yet it seems that the MTA has some work to do still! Note - This is one of the stations I've often used over the years, having been a regular rider on its A, C, and E 8th Avenue trains!
Situated adjacent to the main Port Authority Bus Terminal, the big issues I have are: (1) lack of in-station ADA compliant transfer to the Subway system's biggest connecting hub, i.e., the 42nd Street/Times Square Station; (2) unclear signage directing to the 24-hour elevators from mezzanine to street at W 44th St & 8th Avenue; and (3) MTA not finding tenants for the available commercial spaces.
First, the ramp at the end of the 42nd Street transfer tunnel is too steep!!! It seems there should be enough space to configure an ADA compliant ramp alongside it. Second, all signage around 42nd Street points you to the bus station for elevator access, but the bus station shuts public access at night. Only just now have I discovered this additional elevator which is available at all times. Third, why are many of these in-station storefronts vacant when MTA could figure any acceptable rent to help add to its revenue stream? (Noted - They've put temporary art now in several windows.)
That beings said, as you approach 42nd Street, there's public artwork to enjoy. Within the station itself is the payful 2003 mosaic by Lisa Dinhofer "Losing My Marbles," with images of various toy marbles. [The art also surrounds the Subway Station rest rooms, which I don't remember ever being open and the thought of which disgusts me.]
And.. before the 42nd transfer tunnel to the Times Square Station makes that steep drop you'll be able to enjoy two other public artworks:
+ Norman B. Colp's "The Commuter's Lament" or "A Close Shave" 1991 on overhead beams. This Bronx conceptual artist employed messaging inspired by an old Burma Shave ad, that reads in sequence "Overslept", "So tired", "If late", "Get fired", "Why bother?", "Why the pain?", "Just go home", "Do it again", then picture of a bed.
+ Jane Dickson's "Revelers." The American painter's 2008 Murano glass mosaics of New Year's Eve celebrators, dressed for the occasion, which continue into the adjoining subway station.