The MTA has officially renamed the Jamaica Center transportation hub in honor of York College in honor of the CUNY school's 60th anniversary and long-standing presence in the area.

The station, which serves the E, J and Z subway lines along with several bus routes, has been renamed from Jamaica Center – Parsons/Archer Station to Jamaica Center – York College Station following an official unveiling on Friday morning.

MTA CEO Janno Lieber said the move reflected York College's "special status" in the local community and the "special role" it plays in the area.

He said the MTA does not often rename stations unless it is geographically important to do so – unlike the City Council, which frequently renames streets in honor of important local figures.

" We do this only when it is geographically important, when it is a destination that people need to know about as they look at a subway map. And York College is that," Lieber said at the event Friday. "For the last 60 years, this school has not only been a huge presence in this community, but has been a gateway to opportunity in Southeast Queens, and we are proud to recognize that special status."

State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who introduced legislation in Albany alongside Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman, said it was fitting to rename the station for York College a day after the school hosted a gala event celebrating its 60th anniversary. Comrie said the college had long been asking for the station's name to be changed to reflect its presence in the community and praised the MTA for "wholeheartedly" embracing the move.

"This is a great day," Comrie said. "I want to thank Janno Lieber for always listening, for always being a positive ear. We have arguments about what we need, but he's focused on making sure that the system is responsive."

Hyndman, meanwhile, said the name change was a "long time coming," noting that York College grew from a school with 471 students and 50 faculty to over 6,000 students and 1,000 faculty today. The school's sports teams were once known as the Nomads because York College did not have a permanent home before establishing itself in Jamaica in 1986.

Hyndman added that the transportation hub needs major upgrades outlined in the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan so that it can function as a state-of-the-art station for the 30,000 riders who use it every day.

"We know the work that needs to be done," Hyndman said. "[But] it deserves this renaming today. I look forward to all the great things to come to Downtown Jamaica."

Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams, whose council district covers York College and Jamaica Center, said the school has been "part of the fabric" of southeast Queens for the last six decades, opening doors to higher education for local residents and contributing to the growth and vitality of Downtown Jamaica.

" York College has established itself as a leading institution with an impact that extends well beyond s outheast Queens, and it is a vital anchor, which is why it should be recognized," Williams said. "As soon as you step foot in southeast Queens, you should know you are amongst York College."

Williams added that Jamaica Center serves as a "gateway" to southeast Queens, making Friday's renaming more fitting.

"T his is one of the busiest transportation corridors on the northeast, so it is a very important destination," she said. "B ringing the names together recognizes the college's legacy while making it easier for students, families and visitors to find their way. It is about wayfinding. It is about geographical location."

"It is something truly powerful about seeing York College's name become a part of this station and connecting our community to the rest of New York City."