96th Street: A Key Node in Manhattan’s Upper West Side and Upper East Side

The 96th Street stations are vital subway points located in Manhattan, New York. They serve as important stops on two distinct main lines, one on the Upper West Side and another on the Upper East Side, facilitating access to these bustling residential and commercial areas. Their location along the 96th Street corridor makes them key access points to both sides of Central Park.

Connections and Services

The stops at 96th Street comprise two separate stations on different lines:

96th Street (Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line)

• This station is a key express stop on the New York City Subway’s Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line, located on the Upper West Side.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • 1 (red)
  • 2 (red)
  • 3 (red)
• Main entrance address: Broadway between West 95th Street & West 96th Street, New York, NY 10025

96th Street (Lexington Avenue Line)

• This station is a local stop on the New York City Subway’s Lexington Avenue Line, located on the Upper East Side.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • 4 (green)
  • 6 (green)
• Entrances to this station are located on Lexington Avenue near 96th Street.

Although they are separate stations with no direct internal connection for a free transfer, both facilitate access along the important 96th Street crosstown corridor, connecting the Upper West Side and the Upper East Side.

Importance and Location

• The Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line station is located at the intersection of Broadway and 96th Street on the Upper West Side.
• The Lexington Avenue Line station is located at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and 96th Street on the Upper East Side.
• Their location makes them key access points to important destinations such as:

  • Upper West Side

    • Known for its pre-war residential buildings, shops, and restaurants.
    • Proximity to Riverside Park and Central Park.
    • Symphony Space: A performing arts center.
    • Numerous shopping and dining options along Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue.

  • Upper East Side

    • A residential neighborhood known for its elegant buildings and proximity to museums.
    • Access to the northern end of Museum Mile.
    • Proximity to Carl Schurz Park and the East River Esplanade.
    • Mount Sinai Hospital.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Central Park: Accessible from both stations, offering a vast expanse of green space.
    • The Carnegie Hill area on the Upper East Side.

History and Evolution

• The 96th Street station (Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line) was originally opened as part of the first IRT subway on October 27, 1904.
• The 96th Street station (Lexington Avenue Line) opened on July 17, 1918.
• Both stations have undergone renovations; notably, the Broadway station was reconfigured and received a new main entrance pavilion between 2007 and 2010.
• Continuous improvements have been made to maintain and modernize passenger facilities.

Interesting Facts

• Both stations serve densely populated areas and experience high passenger volume.
• The Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line station is an important transfer point between local and express services within that line.
• The entrance pavilion of the Broadway–96th Street station is a distinctive modern structure in the neighborhood.