Apr
06
96th St. and Broadway: Where’s the train?
By
Where: Inside thenew headhouse at 96th St. and Broadway.
When: 11:44 a.m. on April 5, 2010
What: While poking around the new stationhouse at 96th St. on the IRT yesterday morning, I discovered that people on the entry level can, in a way, spy on those waiting for the trains. Because the staircases and station are more open to let light down to the platform, there’s a gap between the edge of the stairs and the station walls. Although utility and power lines block the direct view of people waiting for the train, when someone makes the age-old subway move of stepping forward to peer into the tunnel to search expectantly for the light sof the train, they’re clearly visible from above.
As I was standing there taking pictures, straphangers impatient for a downtown express to pull in kept leaning over. It was a quintessential New York moment, and I caught one woman in the act. One day soon, countdown clocks will come to 96th St., but for now, we’re left with the firm New York belief that, by looking into the dark tunnel, the train will arrive sooner. Eventually, the 3 came, and everyone boarded, heading south to destinations unknown.
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It’s good you can see the trains from the upper level. At 72nd and Broadway, I have to stay on the upper level until the train comes or else the heat is unbearable. I’m glad that people at 96th and Broadway will have this option, too.
As a regular L rider, I see people still peering down the tunnel looking for the L train. In fact, I’ve been known to do this myself still from time to time…
I’ve never understood why some people seem to object so strongly to looking down the tunnel. I’m just standing there on the platform anyway, why not take a look? It’s not like taking time away from looking at the wall across the platform is a serious imposition.
I like to see the light at the end of the tunnel! (hah!… sorry, bad joke)