as Rawson, Lowery, and Bliss Streets until the 1930s, when they were given numbered street names. To avoid confusion, the 33rd Street–Rawson Street, 40th Street–Lowery Street, and 46th Street–Bliss Street stations displayed both the new and old names of the respective street. Since a New York City Transit Authority rule prohibited subway stations from being named after nonexistent streets, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) removed the old names of each street from station signs and subway maps in 1998. Local residents opposed the renaming and unsuccessfully attempted to persuade the MTA to restore the old names. The New York City Council passed a law in July 2003, giving both the old and new names to all three streets; after new street signs were installed in September 2003, the MTA agreed to restore the old names of each station. Station layout The station has two side platforms and three tracks. The center track is used by peak-direction <7> express trains during rush hours. The 1999 artwork featured at the station is called Q is for Queens by Yumi Heo. Exit The exit is under the tracks in the median of Queens Boulevard. The exit is at 40th Street with two stairs from each platform. Since fare control is on different sides of the exit, there is no free transfer between directions, although the station's layout could allow one. This makes the station one of only two stations along the 7 (the other being Vernon Boulevard–Jackson Avenue) to not have a crossover or crossunder, as well as the only elevated station on the line that does not allow for free transfers between directions. References External links Station Reporter — 7 Train The Subway Nut — 40th Street–Lowery Street Pictures MTA's Arts For Transit — 40th Street–Lowery Street (IRT Flushing Line) 40th Street entrance from Google Maps Street View Platforms from Google Maps Street View IRT Flushing Line stations New York City Subway stations in Queens, New York Railway stations in the United States opened in 1917 1917 establishments in New York City