Remodeled subway station in Brooklyn features leaning rail-like benches

SUNSET PARK, Brooklyn (WABC) -- The aboveground subway entrance in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, looks like a cross between a subway stop and bus shelter with an overhang for inclement weather.

And, before you even head down, you can see how long the wait will be for a train, a nice convenience.

There are plenty of maps, digital displays, enhanced lighting and cameras for safety. Glass barriers replace metal bars for more visibility. And there's artwork by a Brooklyn artist.

"It's brighter, it's cleaner, for sure. We'll see how long that lasts," said commuter Alen Farbarov, "But the USB charging stations are pretty cool."

Down by the platform there are charging stations, as well as Wi-Fi service for New Yorkers who can't be without their phones.

The station also offers rails resembling benches that commuters can lean against.

"Smart design. I like that," said Jason Wilson, another commuter. "The lean-on-the-wall-thing is pretty cool, because the benches are pretty sketchy to me."

But even if you wanted to sit, the benches fill up pretty quickly. People tend to lean wherever they can. Now there's a new option.

For those who preferred more benches, the MTA says, "These bars were adopted for the convenience of subway users, providing them with options while taking up very little floor space in the process, as the result of a review of best practices in transit systems around the world. They didn't replace traditional seating in the station -- they supplement it."

"I like (the rails), but it would be better if we didn't have to sit or lean if the trains were here all the time taking people where they want to go," said commuter Franklin Tavarez.

That would be very nice indeed.