NINETY-SIXTH
STREET was the last of the express stations on the original route,
and like Brooklyn Bridge and 14 Street, had two side local platforms
in addition to the two island express platforms. However, unlike at
those stations, passengers enter this station from the local
platforms, where the turnstiles and token booths are located, and then
reach the island platforms by an underpass. The train doors no longer
open on the local platform side, though, and a large part of these two
platforms are now covered over. The unique arrangement of this station
is allegedly due to the sewer system at this point in Broadway while
the subway was being constructed. Note the unique "96" panels
extending off the cornice, and the rectangular frame design off which
the '96TH ST" panels hang. This station was later extended south, and
there is now an entrance at 94 Street, in addition to the original
ones.
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