168th Street station (New York City Subway)

New York City Subway station in Manhattan the station in Manhattan the former station in Queens 168th Street station (BMT Jamaica Line) August 2023 August 2023 168 Street Washington Heights–168th Street pf IND Eighth Avenue Line platforms only complex 168th Street stair.JPG Entrance at 169th Street 168th IRT/IND IND Eighth Avenue LineIRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line NYCT Bus: Bx7 M2 M3, (M4 on Fort Washington Avenue), M5 M100 Short Line Bus: 208-GWB Eastside Commuter Intercampus Shuttles Fort Lee Shuttle Lamont Shuttle West 168th Street, Broadway, andSt. Nicholas AvenueNew York, New York Manhattan Washington Heights 40.841022 N 73.939791 W inline,title For the transfer point, 1948 07 1 yThe New York Times subscription https://www.nytimes.com/1948/06/30/archives/transfer-points-under-higher-fare-board-of-transportation-lists.html Transfer Points Under Higher Fare June 30, 1948 19 July 22, 2018 June 25, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200625074924/https://www.nytimes.com/1948/06/30/archives/transfer-points-under-higher-fare-board-of-transportation-lists.html live 2 allexceptnightsalltimes The 168th Street station (formerly the Washington Heights–168th Street station) is an underground New York City Subway station complex shared by the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line and IND Eighth Avenue Line. It is located at the intersection of 168th Street and Broadway in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan and served by the 1 and A trains at all times, and the C train at all times except late nights. It is the northern terminus for all C trains. The Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line station was built for the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT), and was a station on the West Side Branch of the city's first subway line, which was approved in 1900. The station opened on April 14, 1906. The Eighth Avenue Line station was built as an express and terminal station for the Independent Subway System (IND) and opened on September 10, 1932, as part of the IND's first segment. The IRT station has two side platforms and two tracks. The IND station has two island platforms and four tracks, although the track configuration is reversed from most New York City Subway express stations, with express trains using the outer tracks and local trains using the inner tracks. The transfer between the IRT platforms and the IND platforms has been within fare control since July 1, 1948. The IND station contains elevators, which make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). While the IRT station can only be reached by elevators, it is not ADA-accessible. The IRT station's interior is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. History IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line Construction and opening Planning for a subway line in New York City dates to 1864,21 but development of what became the city's first subway line did not start until 1894, when the New York State Legislature passed the Rapid Transit Act.Walker James Blaine https://archive.org/details/fiftyyearsrapid00walkgoog Fifty Years of Rapid Transit — 1864 to 1917 1918 Law Printing New York, N.Y. November 6, 2016139–140 The subway plans were drawn up by a team of engineers led by William Barclay Parsons, the Rapid Transit Commission's chief engineer. It called for a subway line from New York City Hall in lower Manhattan to the Upper West Side, where two branches would lead north into the Bronx.October 23, 1979 Interborough Rapid Transit System, Underground Interior http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1096.pdf November 19, 2019 New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission September 21, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200921135400/https://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1096.pdf live3 A plan was formally adopted in 1897,148 and all legal conflicts over the route alignment were resolved near the end of 1899.161 The Rapid Transit Construction Company, organized by John B. McDonald and funded by August Belmont Jr., signed the initial Contract 1 with the Rapid Transit Commission in February 1900,https://archive.org/details/cu31924022794253/page/n253/mode/2up?q=april+28 Report of the Board of Rapid Transit Railroad Commissioners for the City of New York For The Year Ending December 31, 1904 Accompanied By Reports of the Chief Engineer and of the Auditor Board of Rapid Transit Railroad Commissioners 1905 229–236 under which it would construct the subway and maintain a 50-year operating lease from the opening of the line.165 In 1901, the firm of Heins & LaFarge was hired to design the underground stations.4 Belmont incorporated the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT) in April 1902 to operate the subway.182 The 168th Street station was constructed as part of the IRT's West Side Line (now the Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line) from 133rd Street to a point 100 ft north of 182nd Street. Work on this section was conducted by L. B. McCabe & Brother, who started building the tunnel segment on May 14, 1900. On that date, a groundbreaking ceremony took place at Broadway and 156th Street, one block south of the 157th Street station site.May 15, 1900 Ground Broken for the Big Tunnel; Ceremonies on Washington Heights Where the Work Begins https://www.nytimes.com/1900/05/15/archives/group-broken-for-the-big-tunnel-ceremonies-on-washington-heights.html 2026-08-07 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 The 168th Street station was one of three stations to be built within the deep-level Fort George Mine Tunnel.165 The station was equipped with elevators from its opening, since the IRT's contract with the city mandated elevators in stations that were more than 29 ft deep.1907-08-10 Free Water Goes With Subway Ticket; Charter Provides for It and Mr. Hedley Says to Get It Ask the Ticket Agent en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1907/08/10/archives/free-water-goes-with-subway-ticket-charter-provides-for-it-and-mr.html 2023-07-12 0362-4331 July 12, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230712021236/https://www.nytimes.com/1907/08/10/archives/free-water-goes-with-subway-ticket-charter-provides-for-it-and-mr.html live 1907-08-10 To Queens, 13 Cents 3 New-York Tribune https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-to-queens-13-cents/128124813/ 2023-07-13 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713030947/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-to-queens-13-cents/128124813/ live In practice, the elevator requirement was not enforced. The 33rd Street and Grand Central stations did not originally contain elevators, despite being more than 29 feet deep. At the 168th Street station, the only means of access was via two elevators and a staircase,Nov 24, 1900 Progress of Work on the Rapid Transit Tunnel, New York Scientific American LXXXIII 326 126807124 21 and the station cavern extended 150 ft north and south of 168th Street.1905-03-30 Subway Fire Rages 120ft. Under Earth; Train Crash Ignites 25 Barrels of Oil at 168th Street en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1905/03/30/archives/subway-fire-rages-120ft-under-earth-train-crash-ignites-25-barrels.html 2023-07-12 0362-4331 July 12, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230712021236/https://www.nytimes.com/1905/03/30/archives/subway-fire-rages-120ft-under-earth-train-crash-ignites-25-barrels.html live The original New York City Subway line from City Hall to 145th Street on the West Side Branch opened in October 1904,186https://books.google.com/books?id=kKUlAQAAIAAJ&q=november+26%2C+1904+subway+extension&pg=PA191 Report of the Public Service Commission For The First District of the State of New York For The Year Ending December 31, 1909 1910 Public Service Commission Albany en December 21, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20220422120155/https://books.google.com/books?id=kKUlAQAAIAAJ&q=november+26%2C+1904+subway+extension&pg=PA191 April 22, 2022 live189 with the line being extended to 157th Street a week later.191 The 168th and 181st Street stations had been scheduled to open on May 1, 1905, but the caverns and elevator shafts at these stations were not even fully excavated at the beginning of that year.1905-03-19 Subway Trains in July to Washington Heights; Stations at 168th and 181st Streets Delaying Work en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1905/03/19/archives/subway-trains-in-july-to-washington-heights-stations-at-168th-and.html 2023-07-13 0362-4331 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713183434/https://www.nytimes.com/1905/03/19/archives/subway-trains-in-july-to-washington-heights-stations-at-168th-and.html live Workers wanted to expedite the line's opening to serve baseball fans traveling to American League Park, the home of the Highlanders (now New York Yankees), which occupied the western side of Broadway from 165th to 168th Street. A train crashed into a temporary bulkhead at the south end of the station in March 1905; this caused a fire that weakened the tunnel's roof, which then collapsed and killed a firefighter.1905-03-31 Fatal Cave-in After Fire 6 The Sun https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-fatal-cave-in-after-fire/128069244/ 2023-07-12 July 12, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230712030953/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-fatal-cave-in-after-fire/128069244/ live 31 Mar 1905 Subway Cave-in Kills: Fireman Was Playing on Smouldering Flames at 167th-st. 10 New-York Tribune 1941-0646 571659824 The damage caused by the crash delayed the station's completion by several months. Although the Fort George tunnel was nearly completed by January 1906, elevators had not been installed at the 168th and 181st Street stations.1906-01-24 New Subway Link March 1; Engineer Rice Expects Trains to Run to the Ship Canal Then. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1906/01/24/archives/new-subway-link-march-1-engineer-rice-expects-trains-to-run-to-the.html 2023-07-12 0362-4331 July 12, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230712021234/https://www.nytimes.com/1906/01/24/archives/new-subway-link-march-1-engineer-rice-expects-trains-to-run-to-the.html live The West Side Branch was extended northward from 157th Street to a temporary terminus at 221st Street, near the Harlem River Ship Canal,One New York Times article labeled the Harlem River Ship Canal station as being at 220th Street. However, others have referred to that station as being on 221st Street.January 14, 1907 Farthest North in Town by the Interborough 18 The New York Times subscription https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1907/01/14/104980177.pdf live March 28, 2021 July 8, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210708221312/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1907/01/14/104980177.pdf on March 12, 1906, with the station at 168th Street not yet open.subscription https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1906/03/13/101769649.pdf Trains To Ship Canal — But They Whiz by Washington Heights Stations March 13, 1906 The New York Times August 16, 2015 16 0362-4331 May 24, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220524041048/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1906/03/13/101769649.pdf live This extension was initially served by shuttle trains operating between 157th Street and 221st Street. The 168th Street station opened for service on April 14, 1906.April 15, 1906 New Subway Station Open 1 The New York Times subscription https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1906/04/15/101711097.pdf October 10, 2016 0362-4331 December 22, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211222082511/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1906/04/15/101711097.pdf liveApril 15, 1906 "Fans" Jam the Subway: Police Busy at New 168th Street Station 3 New-York Tribune 1941-0646 571776711 The station originally only had two elevators, each measuring 12 x 12 ft, as well as a set of 119 steps; this contributed to serious overcrowding on the station's first day of operation. On May 30, 1906, express trains began running through to 221st Street.subscription https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1906/05/30/101426453.pdf Express to 221st Street: Will Run In the Subway To-day–New 181st Street Station Ready. May 30, 1906 The New York Times 0362-4331 September 1, 2016 December 22, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211222095136/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1906/05/30/101426453.pdf live The opening of the first subway line helped contribute to the development of Washington Heights,9 although development around the 168th Street station was initially limited because of the presence of American League Park, as well as covenants that restricted development on many lots west of Broadway.1909-08-15 Large Supply and Wide Variety of Houses Awaiting Apartment Seekers This Year 11 The New York Times https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-large-supply-and-wide/128119929/ 2023-07-12 0362-4331 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713023606/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-large-supply-and-wide/128119929/ live 1900s and 1910s When the 168th Street station opened, the two elevators could fit only 50 passengers each, and they became severely overcrowded during peak times. During baseball games at American League Park, many fans opted to instead take the subway to 157th Street, then pay an additional 25 cents for a taxi to the stadium.1909-06-20 Yankees Break Even 9 New-York Tribune https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-yankees-break-even/128120182/ 2023-07-12 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713030948/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-yankees-break-even/128120182/ live The elevators' capacity limitations prompted the Public Service Commission to decide against constructing additional deep-level subway lines; newer routes, such as the Broadway and Lexington Avenue lines, were instead built using the cut-and-cover method.1907-02-09 Plea for Deep Subway on Broadway Unheeded; Board Adopts. Cut-and-Cover Plan for Lexington Av. Line en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1907/02/09/archives/plea-for-deep-subway-on-broadway-unheeded-board-adopts-cutandcover.html 2023-07-12 0362-4331 July 12, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230712021232/https://www.nytimes.com/1907/02/09/archives/plea-for-deep-subway-on-broadway-unheeded-board-adopts-cutandcover.html live In Fiscal Year 1909, work was done to increase the carrying load of the elevators at the station.https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112111474968&view=1up&seq=192&q1=181ST%20STREET 1908-1909 Annual Report of the Interborough Rapid Transit Company for the Year Ended June 30, 1909 Interborough Rapid Transit Company 1909 9 December 22, 2020 April 22, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220422120156/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112111474968&view=1up&seq=192&q1=181ST%20STREET live Officials had decided against adding additional elevators because it would only cost $6,300 to update the existing elevator cabs.31 Mar 1905 Want a New Hearing: Washington Heights Asks Another Elevator at 181st Street Station 10 New-York Tribune 1941-0646 572201383 By the early 1910s, the elevators could carry 80 people at once and were staffed by elevator operators.1913-09-28 Subway Elevator Ways 35 The Sun https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-subway-elevator-ways/128126075/ 2023-07-13 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713022101/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-subway-elevator-ways/128126075/ live To address overcrowding, in 1909, the New York Public Service Commission proposed lengthening the platforms at stations along the original IRT subway.Hood Clifton 1978 The Impact of the IRT in New York City https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/master/pnp/habshaer/ny/ny0300/ny0387/data/ny0387data.pdf December 20, 2020 Historic American Engineering Record 146–207 (PDF pp. 147–208) January 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210117001227/https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/master/pnp/habshaer/ny/ny0300/ny0387/data/ny0387data.pdf live168 As part of a modification to the IRT's construction contracts made on January 18, 1910, the company was to lengthen station platforms to accommodate ten-car express and six-car local trains. In addition to $1.5 million (equivalent to $c US 1.5 1910 1 million in US) spent on platform lengthening, $500,000 (equivalent to $c US 0.5 1910 1 million in US) was spent on building additional entrances and exits. It was anticipated that these improvements would increase capacity by 25 percent.https://books.google.com/books?id=0fBLAQAAMAAJ&q=+zoological+station&pg=PA596 Report of the Public Service Commission for the First District of the State of New York For The Year Ending December 31, 1910 1911 Public Service Commission en January 7, 2021 January 20, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210120015525/https://books.google.com/books?id=0fBLAQAAMAAJ&q=%20zoological%20station&pg=PA596 live15 The northbound platform at the 168th Street station was extended 179 ft to the south. The arched ceiling adjacent to the platform extension was replaced with a flat roof made of steel beams, since the arch's structural integrity was compromised by the platform extension.113 The southbound platform was not lengthened.106 Six-car local trains began operating in October 1910,168 and ten-car express trains began running on the West Side Line on January 24, 1911.168limited https://www.nytimes.com/1911/01/23/archives/tencar-trains-in-subway-today-new-service-begins-on-lenox-av-line.html Ten-car Trains in Subway to-day; New Service Begins on Lenox Av. Line and Will Be Extended to Broadway To-morrow. January 23, 1911 The New York Times April 5, 2018 en-US 0362-4331 April 5, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180405224750/https://www.nytimes.com/1911/01/23/archives/tencar-trains-in-subway-today-new-service-begins-on-lenox-av-line.html live Subsequently, the station could accommodate six-car local trains, but ten-car trains could not open some of their doors. 1920s to 1940s thumb|View of the IRT station's vault Public Service Commission employees began preparing plans for an additional elevator at the station in 1919.1919-05-25 New Elevator at 168th Street. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1919/05/25/archives/new-elevator-at-168th-street.html 2023-07-13 0362-4331 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713015338/https://www.nytimes.com/1919/05/25/archives/new-elevator-at-168th-street.html live The city government authorized the construction of additional elevators at the station in February 1922;1922-02-04 More Lifts Ordered for Subway at 168th Street 3 New-York Tribune https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-more-lifts-ordered-for/128127141/ 2023-07-13 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713033625/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-more-lifts-ordered-for/128127141/ live 1922-02-04 Use Half of $827,003 for Subway Elevator; Estimate Board Orders Second Lift Built at 168th Street, West Side. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1922/02/04/archives/use-half-of-827003-for-subway-elevator-estimate-board-orders-second.html 2023-07-13 0362-4331 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713021934/https://www.nytimes.com/1922/02/04/archives/use-half-of-827003-for-subway-elevator-estimate-board-orders-second.html live there were to be four new shafts on the west side of Broadway, and elevator cabs were to be installed in two of the shafts.1922-12-03 Subway Elevator Bids; Transit Commission Sets Dec. 14 as Date to Receive Them. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1922/12/03/archives/subway-elevator-bids-transit-commission-sets-dec-14-as-date-to.html 2023-07-13 0362-4331 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713021934/https://www.nytimes.com/1922/12/03/archives/subway-elevator-bids-transit-commission-sets-dec-14-as-date-to.html live The city began receiving bids for the elevator shafts in April 1922,1922-04-12 Hylan Calls for More Contract Cuts by Traction Lines 21 New-York Tribune https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-hylan-calls-for-more-co/128127323/ 2023-07-13 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713033627/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-hylan-calls-for-more-co/128127323/ live 1922-04-20 Miller Tells Hylan State Won't Brook Transit Meddling; Warns Mayor of Drastic Action to Uphold Unified Plan for Traction Line en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1922/04/20/archives/miller-tells-hylan-state-wont-brook-transit-meddling-warns-mayor-of.html 2023-07-13 0362-4331 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713155654/https://www.nytimes.com/1922/04/20/archives/miller-tells-hylan-state-wont-brook-transit-meddling-warns-mayor-of.html live and they also awarded a contract for a new station entrance to Holbrook, Cabot & Rollins Corporation for $283,000 the next month.1922-05-06 Hylan Board Defies Miller; Cowbells Clang, Rattles Whir; 600 Brooklyn Residents Clap and Cheer as 14th Street Elevated Bid Is Rejected en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1922/05/06/archives/hylan-board-defies-miller-cowbells-clang-rattleswhir-600-brooklyn.html 2023-07-13 0362-4331 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713155654/https://www.nytimes.com/1922/05/06/archives/hylan-board-defies-miller-cowbells-clang-rattleswhir-600-brooklyn.html live The city received bids for the elevator cabs that December1922-12-03 For 168th Street Elevators 20 New York Herald https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-herald-for-168th-street-elevato/128127381/ 2023-07-13 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713030619/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-herald-for-168th-street-elevato/128127381/ live and awarded the contract to the Otis Elevator Company.1922-12-29 Three Rapid Transit Contracts Are Let; They Cover Ft. Hamilton Extension, 14th St.-Eastern Workand 168th St. Elevators. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1922/12/29/archives/three-rapid-transit-contracts-are-let-they-cover-ft-hamilton.html 2023-07-13 0362-4331 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713021933/https://www.nytimes.com/1922/12/29/archives/three-rapid-transit-contracts-are-let-they-cover-ft-hamilton.html live In Fiscal Year 1923, work began on the installation of a new entrance with elevators on the west side of Broadway to increase the capacity of the station.https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015016416870&view=1up&seq=13 1922-1923 Annual Report of the Interborough Rapid Transit Company For The Year Ended June 30, 1923 Interborough Rapid Transit Company 1923 11 December 21, 2020 May 24, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220524041050/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015016416870&view=1up&seq=13 live The following fiscal year, the IRT reported that work to construct new entrances to the station was 87 percent complete.https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015016416862&view=1up&seq=15 1923-1924 Annual Report of the Interborough Rapid Transit Company For The Year Ended June 30, 1924 Interborough Rapid Transit Company 1924 13 December 21, 2020 October 31, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211031152201/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015016416862&view=1up&seq=15 live The two elevators entered service on June 26, 1924.1924-06-27 Tube Elevators 39 Daily News https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-tube-elevators/128146615/ 2023-07-13 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713155654/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-tube-elevators/128146615/ live 27 June 1924 Two New Subway Elevators 27 The New York Herald, New York Tribune 1941-0646 1113106217 The city government took over the IRT's operations on June 12, 1940.1940-06-13 City Transit Unity Is Now a Reality; Title to I.R.T. Lines Passes to Municipality, Ending 19-Year Campaign en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/13/archives/city-transit-unity-is-now-a-reality-title-to-irt-lines-passes-to.html live subscription 2022-05-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20220107193115/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/13/archives/city-transit-unity-is-now-a-reality-title-to-irt-lines-passes-to.html January 7, 2022 0362-4331June 13, 1940 Transit Unification Completed As City Takes Over I. R. T. Lines: Systems Come Under Single Control After Efforts Begun in 1921; Mayor Is Jubilant at City Hall Ceremony Recalling 1904 Celebration 25 New York Herald Tribune 1248134780 Platforms at IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line stations between 103rd Street IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line and 238th Street IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line, including those at 168th Street, were lengthened to 514 ft between 1946 and 1948, allowing full ten-car express trains to stop at these stations. A contract for the platform extensions at 168th Street and eight other stations on the line was awarded to Spencer, White & Prentis Inc. in October 1946,Crowell Paul October 11, 1946 Improvement Costs Voted for Subway; Board of Estimate Appropriates $31,291,000 for New Cars and Station Lengthening en-US 24 The New York Times subscription https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1946/10/11/94061958.pdf July 28, 2021 0362-4331 May 21, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220521165007/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1946/10/11/94061958.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false live with an estimated cost of $3.891 million.11 Oct 1946 City Approves $35,153,000 Subway Outlay: Board of Estimate Awards Contract for 400 Cars and 10 Station Projects 40 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1287183692 The platform extensions at these stations were opened in stages. On April 6, 1948, the platform extension opened for stations from 103rd Street to Dyckman Street, including this station but excluding 125th Street.Report for the three and one-half years ending June 30, 1949. 1949 New York City Board of Transportation 2027/mdp.39015023094926July 10, 1948 More Long Platforms – Five Subway Stations on IRT to Accommodate 10-Car Trains 8 The New York Times subscription https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1948/07/10/86748393.pdf March 27, 2016 0362-4331 May 24, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220524041114/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1948/07/10/86748393.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false live IND Eighth Avenue Line Plans for a second subway line with a station at 168th Street and Broadway date as far back as 1914. That year, engineer Reginald Pelham Bolton proposed a short extension of the elevated IRT Ninth Avenue Line to Riverside Drive, with an intermediate station at 168th Street and Broadway to relieve congestion at the IRT subway stop there.1914-06-07 Property Owners in Upper Manhattan Need Additional Transit Facilities; Will Hold Mass Meeting This Week to Explain Needs of the District -- Subway Ticket Sales Above 157th Street Exceed 18,000,000 -- 181st Street Is Busiest Station. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1914/06/07/archives/property-owners-in-upper-manhattan-need-additional-transit.html 2023-07-13 0362-4331 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713015342/https://www.nytimes.com/1914/06/07/archives/property-owners-in-upper-manhattan-need-additional-transit.html live The Transit Commission proposed another subway line to Broadway and 168th Street, an unbuilt extension of the Brooklyn–Manhattan Transit Corporation's Broadway Line, in 1922.1922-10-14 Final Transit Plan Puts Line Up Heights and Under Narrows 1 New York Herald https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-herald-final-transit-plan-puts/128141587/ 2023-07-13 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713155655/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-herald-final-transit-plan-puts/128141587/ live 1922-10-14 Another West Side Subway Proposed by Transit Board 4 The Evening World https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-evening-world-another-west-side-subw/128141667/ 2023-07-13 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713155656/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-evening-world-another-west-side-subw/128141667/ live New York City mayor John Francis Hylan's original plans for the Independent Subway System (IND), proposed in 1922, included building over 100 mi of new lines and taking over nearly 100 mi of existing lines. The lines were designed to compete with the existing underground, surface, and elevated lines operated by the IRT and Brooklyn–Manhattan Transit Corporation (BMT).August 4, 1923 Two Subway Routes Adopted by City 9 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1923/08/04/archives/two-subway-routes-adopted-by-city-estimate-board-accepts-wash.html August 1, 2019 0362-4331 June 30, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190630012122/https://www.nytimes.com/1923/08/04/archives/two-subway-routes-adopted-by-city-estimate-board-accepts-wash.html live March 12, 1924 Plans Now Ready to Start Subways 1 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1924/03/12/archives/plans-now-ready-to-start-subways-commission-notifies-city-it-can.html August 1, 2019 0362-4331 June 28, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190628162149/https://www.nytimes.com/1924/03/12/archives/plans-now-ready-to-start-subways-commission-notifies-city-it-can.html live On December 9, 1924, the New York City Board of Transportation (BOT) gave preliminary approval to the construction of a subway line along Eighth Avenue, running from 207th Street.December 10, 1924 Hylan Subway Plan Links Four Boroughs at $450,000,000 Cost 1 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1924/12/10/archives/hylan-subway-plan-links-four-boroughs-at-450000000-cost-manhattan.html live June 29, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180614021251/https://www.nytimes.com/1924/12/10/archives/hylan-subway-plan-links-four-boroughs-at-450000000-cost-manhattan.html June 14, 2018 0362-4331 The BOT announced a list of stations on the new line in February 1928, with an express station at 167th Street;February 5, 1928 Express and Local Stations For New Eighth Avenue Line B1 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1113431477 this station would be the northern terminus of local service.1928-11-19 City Drafts Plans to Run Its Subway; Announces Program for Most of Manhattan Service to Open Early in 1930 en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1928/11/19/archives/city-drafts-plans-to-run-its-subway-announces-program-for-most-of.html 2023-07-13 0362-4331 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713155654/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/11/19/archives/city-drafts-plans-to-run-its-subway-announces-program-for-most-of.html live 1928-11-21 Here's the Station Plan for the New 8th Ave. Subway 378 Daily News https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-heres-the-station-plan-for-t/128146918/ 2023-07-13 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713155655/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-heres-the-station-plan-for-t/128146918/ live Most of the Eighth Avenue Line was dug using a cheap cut-and-cover method.Warner Arthur November 22, 1931 The City's New Underground Province; The Eighth Avenue Subway Will Be Not Only a Transit Line but a Centre for the Shopper A New Underground Province of New York The Eighth Avenue Subway Will Be a Rapid Transit Line With Innovations and Will Provide Centres for the Shoppers The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1931/11/22/archives/the-citys-new-underground-province-the-eighth-avenue-subway-will-be.html live May 2, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180503050550/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/11/22/archives/the-citys-new-underground-province-the-eighth-avenue-subway-will-be.html May 3, 2018 0362-4331Daly William Jerome February 5, 1928 New Subway Work Far Advanced, From the Circle to 207th Street: Small Section Near St. Nicholas Avenue and 148th Street Being Constructed B1 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1113431484 In September 1928, the Woodcrest Construction Company received a $375,014 contract to construct the 155th Street, 163rd Street, and 168th Street stations on the new line.1928-09-20 Fare Suit Delay Now Seems Certain; Highest Court Expected to Put Off Hearing to Oct.15 Because of Untermyer's Illness en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1928/09/20/archives/fare-suit-delay-now-seems-certain-highest-court-expected-to-put-off.html 2023-07-13 0362-4331 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713155655/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/09/20/archives/fare-suit-delay-now-seems-certain-highest-court-expected-to-put-off.html live A preview event for the new subway was hosted on September 8, 1932, two days before the official opening.September 9, 1932 Sightseers Invade New Subway When Barricade Is Lifted en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/09/archives/sightseers-invade-new-subway-when-barricade-is-lifted.html live July 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220701191612/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/09/archives/sightseers-invade-new-subway-when-barricade-is-lifted.html July 1, 2022 0362-4331September 9, 1932 8th Av. Subway Gets First 5c. by Woman's Error: She Peers Into a Station, Hears Train, Pays for Ride, but Is Day Too Early Preparing for Tomorrow's Rush on 8th Ave. Subway 1 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1125436641 The Eighth Avenue Line station opened on September 10, 1932, as part of the city-operated IND's initial segment, the Eighth Avenue Line between Chambers Street and 207th Street.Crowell Paul September 10, 1932 Gay Midnight Crowd Rides First Trains In The New Subway: Throngs at Station an Hour Before Time, Rush Turnstiles When Chains are Dropped The New York Times https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1932/09/10/100849529.pdf live subscription November 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20190918222843/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1932/09/10/100849529.pdf September 18, 2019Sebring Lewis B. September 10, 1932 Midnight Jam Opens City's New Subway: Turnstiles Click Into Action at 12:01 A. M. as Throngs Battle for Places in 'First' Trains Boy, 7, Leads Rush At 42d St. Station City at Last Hails 8th Ave. Line After 7-Year Wait; Cars Bigger, Clean Transit Commissioner Officially Opening New Subway at Midnight 1 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1114839882 There was a direct connection with the IRT station at 168th Street; initially, passengers had to pay an additional fare to transfer between the IRT and the IND.September 9, 1932 City to Open Subway in 8th Av. Tonight; Crowds Visit Tube; First Line in Huge Municipal Network to Take First Nickel One Minute After Midnight en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/09/archives/city-to-open-subway-in-8th-av-tonight-crowds-visit-tube-first-line.html live July 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20181006235819/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/09/archives/city-to-open-subway-in-8th-av-tonight-crowds-visit-tube-first-line.html October 6, 2018 0362-4331 Construction of the whole line cost $191.2 million (equivalent to $c US 191.2 1932 1 million in US). While the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line already provided service to Washington Heights, the new Eighth Avenue subway via St. Nicholas Avenue provided an alternative route.Duffus R. L. September 9, 1932 New Line First Unit In City-Wide System en-US 12 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/09/archives/new-line-first-unit-in-citywide-system-8th-av-tube-to-ease-west.html live subscription August 3, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20190823140418/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/09/archives/new-line-first-unit-in-citywide-system-8th-av-tube-to-ease-west.html August 23, 2019 0362-4331 In particular, the IND's 168th Street station provided easy access to the Columbia University Irving Medical Center,Nehring Frederick 11 Sep 1932 City's Subway Opens Up Area For Residences: High and Beautiful Part of Manhattan Now Available in Its Entirety J6 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1114750052 as trains from 168th Street could reach Lower Manhattan within a half hour.1933-01-29 NEW SUBWAY LINK OPENS WEDNESDAY; Independent Line Will Offer Express Service to Borough Hall in Brooklyn en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1933/01/29/archives/new-subway-link-opens-wednesday-independent-line-will-offer-express.html 2023-07-13 0362-4331 December 16, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221216145354/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/01/29/archives/new-subway-link-opens-wednesday-independent-line-will-offer-express.html live Consolidation into single complex When the IND station opened, it was connected to the IRT station at the same intersection via a passageway.Lynch Denis Tilden September 11, 1932 Eighth Avenue Subway Clears Way for New Progress on West Side J1 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1114749813 This corridor originally required payment of an additional fare, but it was placed inside fare control on July 1, 1948.June 30, 1948 Transfer Points Under Higher Fare; Board of Transportation Lists Stations and Intersections for Combined Rides en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1948/06/30/archives/transfer-points-under-higher-fare-board-of-transportation-lists.html live subscription December 24, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200625074924/https://www.nytimes.com/1948/06/30/archives/transfer-points-under-higher-fare-board-of-transportation-lists.html June 25, 2020 0362-4331June 30, 1948 List of Free and Pay Transfer Points 12 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1327387636 1950s to 1970s On December 28, 1950, the New York City Board of Transportation issued a report concerning the construction of bomb shelters in the subway system. Five deep stations in Washington Heights, including the IRT's 168th Street station, were considered to be ideal for being used as bomb-proof shelters. The program was expected to cost $104 million (equivalent to $c US 0.104 1950 3 billion in US). These shelters were expected to provide limited protection against conventional bombs, while providing protection against shock waves and air blast, as well as from the heat and radiation from an atomic bomb. To become suitable as shelters, the stations would require water-supply facilities, first-aid rooms, and additional bathrooms.Ronan Thomas P. December 29, 1950 Subway Shelters to Cost $104,000,000 Proposed for City en-US 1 The New York Times subscription https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1950/12/29/82088911.html August 3, 2017 0362-4331 May 2, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210502021408/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1950/12/29/82088911.html liveLister Walter Jr. 29 Dec 1950 Subway Bomb Shelters Outlined, City Seeks U.S. Aid on Financing: Bingham Plans Sleeping Quarters for 101,500, Standing Room for a Million More 1 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1327452864 However, the program, which required federal funding, was never completed.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33803059/daily_news/ Stein's Plan For Subway Cash. Would Utilize Extensions For Shelters, Let U.S. Pay O'Flaherty Mary January 5, 1957 New York Daily News July 12, 2019 July 12, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190712200507/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33803059/daily_news/ live To increase passenger flow, officials replaced the IND station's pocket-change booths with high turnstiles in 1957, which prompted many complaints from passengers.Levey Stanley 1957-02-15 Review Ordered on Token Booths; Substitution of Turnstiles for Change Boxes is Halted by Transit Agency en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1957/02/15/archives/review-ordered-on-token-booths-substitution-of-turnstiles-for.html 2023-07-13 0362-4331 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713235709/https://www.nytimes.com/1957/02/15/archives/review-ordered-on-token-booths-substitution-of-turnstiles-for.html live In Fiscal Year 1958, two elevators at the IRT station were replaced with automatic ones,https://s3.amazonaws.com/nycsubway.org/images/pdf/nyct_annual_report_1958.pdf New York City Transit Authority Annual Report For The Year Ended June 30, 1958 New York City Transit Authority 1958 11 December 22, 2020 May 24, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220524041112/https://s3.amazonaws.com/nycsubway.org/images/pdf/nyct_annual_report_1958.pdf live which began operating in January 1958.Lewis Milton 19 Apr 1962 Up From the IRT, a Spot That's Just Right for City's Muggers 21 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1325320969 Fluorescent lighting at the IRT station was installed during Fiscal Year 1961.New York City Transit Authority Annual Report For The Year Ended July 1, 1960 to June 30, 1961 New York City Transit Authority 1961 12 The 168th Street station was a major transfer hub for interstate buses to New Jersey until the 1960s, when the nearby George Washington Bridge Bus Station opened; the last interstate bus stop was relocated in 1967.1967-04-09 Last Bus Terminal On Open Lot Closes Uptown Tomorrow en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1967/04/09/archives/last-bus-terminal-on-open-lot-closes-uptown-tomorrow.html 2023-07-14 0362-4331 April 24, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230424122400/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/04/09/archives/last-bus-terminal-on-open-lot-closes-uptown-tomorrow.html live By 1970, the 168th Street station on the Eighth Avenue Line was among the subway system's 12 worst bottlenecks for passenger flow.Moran Nancy 1970-05-30 12 Subway Bottlenecks Create Massive Delays Daily en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1970/05/30/archives/12-subway-bottlenecks-create-massive-delays-daily-de-kalb-ave-and.html 2023-05-30 0362-4331 July 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220701235103/https://www.nytimes.com/1970/05/30/archives/12-subway-bottlenecks-create-massive-delays-daily-de-kalb-ave-and.html live The New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) was considering renovating the 168th Street station by 1975.Burks Edward C. 1975-03-24 Plans Outlined to Upgrade Subway and Bus Systems en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1975/03/24/archives/plans-outlined-to-upgrade-subway-and-bus-systems.html 2023-07-14 0362-4331 July 25, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180725184055/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/03/24/archives/plans-outlined-to-upgrade-subway-and-bus-systems.html live The station's token booth was closed at some point during the 1970s but reopened in 1979.Fields Sidney 1979-05-18 Only Human 520 Daily News https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-only-human/128178550/ 2023-07-14 July 14, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230714005528/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-only-human/128178550/ live 1980s and 1990s The Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line station was renovated in the late 1980s. By 1988, the project had been delayed by 20 months due to changes in the project's scope; the overpass and platform walls had yet to be restored.Gordy Molly August 23, 1988 Subway Station Restoration Is Year Late, Double Budget 3 Newsday 2574-5298 277960129 The renovation was completed in 1990 at a cost of $2.5 million. The project included relocating pipes and ducts, retiling the lower portions of the walls, and removing dirt from the vaulted ceiling. The NYCTA's director of architecture had wanted to clean the ceiling, but this would have required the installation of scaffolding, and the NYCTA could only use a chemical solution that was less potent than most chemical-cleaning solutions. By the early 1990s, many homeless people were sheltered within the 168th Street station and the tunnels near it;1991-01-21 Subway Plan On Homeless Is Abandoned en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1991/01/21/nyregion/subway-plan-on-homeless-is-abandoned.html live 2023-05-26 https://web.archive.org/web/20230526233124/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/01/21/nyregion/subway-plan-on-homeless-is-abandoned.html May 26, 2023 0362-4331 the city's largest homeless shelter was nearby.Davila Florangela 14 Dec 1991 Are 'Average' Criminals Disguising Themselves as 'average' Homeless? 3 New York Amsterdam News 226419565 The MTA closed one of the station's entrances in March 1991 due to concerns about crime.Chang Dean March 29, 1991 15 dangerous corridors to be closed 7 New York Daily News https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28821130/daily_news/ February 24, 2019 February 7, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200207141245/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28821130/daily_news/ live Moss Michael 30 Mar 1991 TA Station Closings Draw Fire 3 Newsday 2574-5298 278328308 Although the closed entrance had recorded over 50 felonies per year, some locals opposed the closure because it would create inconvenience. Passengers also frequently complained that the IRT station was overheating during the summer, prompting the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to operate one of the station's fans all the time in 1991. This was not repeated during 1992 because one of the station's fans had broken.Henican Ellis 24 May 1992 In the Subways West Side to the Donald: Please Don't Push Us Close to the Edge 6 Newsday 2574-5298 278526293 The MTA installed a ventilation shaft for the IRT station in 1993 to alleviate overheating.Henican Ellis 22 Aug 1993 In the Subways Temp Drops Everywhere but Down 11 Newsday 2574-5298 278666426 During the early 1990s, the MTA also removed three of the station's high entry-exit turnstiles to increase passenger flow.Henican Ellis 16 Feb 1992 In the Subways Ta Will Spike Iron Maidens 18 Newsday 2574-5298 1237383241 The IRT station's elevators gained a reputation for unreliability. Newsday, in 1992, reported that one of the station's elevators had recorded 40 outages in six months and was non-functional for a quarter of that time.Gambardello Joseph A. February 20, 1992 Report: Elevators at Subway Stations Going Down - Fast 25 Newsday https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123915818/report-elevators-at-subway-stations/ live May 2, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230502141328/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123915818/report-elevators-at-subway-stations/ May 2, 2023 2574-5298 Between July 5 and September 8, 1997, trains did not stop at the IRT station while the elevators were modernized.All Times. 1 9 Trains will not stop at 168 St station while we modernize elevators July 1997 New York City TransitSeptember 6, 1997 168th St. Subway Station To Reopen After Repairs en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/06/nyregion/168th-st-subway-station-to-reopen-after-repairs.html May 14, 2023 0362-4331 May 15, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230515001725/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/06/nyregion/168th-st-subway-station-to-reopen-after-repairs.html live The NYCTA opted to close the station entirely because it would have taken two years to replace the elevators one at a time and because the staircase to the station could not handle the 18,000 passengers that used the station every day. A shuttle bus service was provided to 181st Street on the Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line during the station's closure.Pierre-Pierre Garry June 26, 1997 Busy Subway Station to Shut for Summer en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/26/nyregion/busy-subway-station-to-shut-for-summer.html live limited March 29, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20171229220014/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/26/nyregion/busy-subway-station-to-shut-for-summer.html December 29, 2017 0362-4331 The project cost $4 million (equivalent to $c US 4 1997 1 million in US). 2000s to present Several of the elevators in the station are staffed by elevator attendants, who are also employed at four other deep-level stations in Washington Heights. The elevator attendants are intended to reassure passengers, as the elevators are the only entrance to the platforms, and passengers often wait for the elevators with an attendant.Grynbaum Michael M. April 28, 2011 The Subway's Elevator Operators, a Reassuring Amenity of Another Era en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/29/nyregion/subway-elevator-operators-dwindle-in-new-york.html live limited August 3, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20110504015543/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/29/nyregion/subway-elevator-operators-dwindle-in-new-york.html May 4, 2011 0362-4331 The attendants at the five stations are primarily maintenance and cleaning workers who suffered injuries that made it hard for them to continue doing their original jobs.Brachfeld Ben Espaillat, TWU sue MTA over plan to stop staffing uptown subway elevators amNewYork July 13, 2023 https://www.amny.com/transit/espaillat-twu-sue-mta-uptown-subway-elevators/ July 14, 2023 July 14, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230714030907/https://www.amny.com/transit/espaillat-twu-sue-mta-uptown-subway-elevators/ live In July 2003, to reduce costs, the MTA announced that as part of its 2004 budget it would eliminate 22 elevator operator positions at the IRT's 168th Street station and four others in Washington Heights, leaving one full-time operator per station.Waller Nikki November 23, 2003 Why They Take the A Train (and the 1/9) – Neighborhood Report: Washington Heights en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/23/nyregion/neighborhood-report-washington-heights-citypeople-why-they-take-train-1-9.html live limited August 3, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20150528000737/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/23/nyregion/neighborhood-report-washington-heights-citypeople-why-they-take-train-1-9.html May 28, 2015 0362-4331 The agency had intended to remove all the attendants at these stops, but kept one in each station after many riders protested.Piazza Jo December 7, 2003 M.T.A. Urged Not to Cut Elevator Jobs At 5 Stations en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/07/nyregion/mta-urged-not-to-cut-elevator-jobs-at-5-stations.html live limited August 3, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20190417211300/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/07/nyregion/mta-urged-not-to-cut-elevator-jobs-at-5-stations.html April 17, 2019 0362-4331Sanchez Ray 8 Dec 2003 Deep Fears In Heights A02 Newsday 2574-5298 279797824 In addition, the MTA began operating all elevators at all times; prior to the change, each elevator only operated if it was staffed by an elevator operator.Luo Michael 2003-12-16 Likely M.T.A Budget Cuts 22 Subway Elevator Operators' Jobs en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/16/nyregion/likely-mta-budget-cuts-22-subway-elevator-operators-jobs.html 2023-07-13 0362-4331 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713183439/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/16/nyregion/likely-mta-budget-cuts-22-subway-elevator-operators-jobs.html live The change took effect on January 20, 2004,Sangha Soni 21 Jan 2004 Riders fear elevator cutbacks Operators not standing by 3 New York Daily News 2692-1251 305858845 and was expected to save $1.15 million a year. In November 2007, the MTA proposed savings cuts to help reduce the agency's deficit. As part of the plan, all elevator operators at 168th Street, along with those in four other stations in Washington Heights, would have been cut.Neuman William November 30, 2007 M.T.A. Savings Proposal May Mean Service Cuts en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/nyregion/30holiday.html live limited August 3, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20081211154932/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/nyregion/30holiday.html December 11, 2008 0362-4331Gould Joe Nichols Adam 1 Dec 2007 Subway Elevator Cuts a Downer, Say Riders 10 New York Daily News 2692-1251 306138699 MTA employees had joined riders in worrying about an increase in crime as a result of the cuts after an elevator operator at 181st Street on the Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line helped save a stabbed passenger.Sangha Soni January 21, 2004 Riders fear elevator cutbacks. Operators not standing by. 87 New York Daily News https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28294365/daily_news/ live February 11, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190212012813/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28294365/daily_news/ February 12, 2019 The move was intended to save $1.7 million a year. However, on December 7, 2007, the MTA announced that it would not remove the remaining elevator operators at these stations, due to pushback from elected officials and residents from the area.December 8, 2007 Changing Course, M.T.A. Will Keep Elevator Operators On en-US The New York Times https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE3DE1531F93BA35751C1A9619C8B63 live August 3, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20180616053810/https://archive.nytimes.com/query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage-9E0CE3DE1531F93BA35751C1A9619C8B63.html June 16, 2018 0362-4331 In October 2018, the MTA once again proposed removing the elevator operators at the five stations, but this was reversed after dissent from the Transport Workers' Union.Krisel Brendan October 31, 2018 Uptown Subway Stations Won't Lose Elevator Operators, Union Says Washington Heights-Inwood, NY Patch https://patch.com/new-york/washington-heights-inwood/uptown-subway-stations-wont-lose-elevator-operators-union-says live November 1, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181101095558/https://patch.com/new-york/washington-heights-inwood/uptown-subway-stations-wont-lose-elevator-operators-union-says November 1, 2018 The MTA again suggested reassigning elevator operators to station-cleaner positions in June 2023,Mocker Greg June 16, 2023 Transit union and MTA debate future of elevator operators at Uptown subway stations https://pix11.com/news/local-news/manhattan/transit-union-and-mta-debate-future-of-elevator-operators-at-uptown-subway-stations/ July 13, 2023 PIX11 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713183433/https://pix11.com/news/local-news/manhattan/transit-union-and-mta-debate-future-of-elevator-operators-at-uptown-subway-stations/ live Simko-Bednarski Evan June 15, 2023 MTA reassigning elevator operators deepest NYC subway stations https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-subway-elevator-operator-reassign-20230615-dlzuv5usqbhelht2eskf2d76iq-story.html July 13, 2023 New York Daily News July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713183432/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-subway-elevator-operator-reassign-20230615-dlzuv5usqbhelht2eskf2d76iq-story.html live prompting local politicians to sue to prevent the operators' reassignments.Saltonstall Gus July 13, 2023 MTA Elevator Job Cuts Endanger Wash Heights Straphangers: Pol's Suit https://patch.com/new-york/washington-heights-inwood/mta-elevator-job-cuts-endanger-wash-heights-straphangers-pols July 13, 2023 Washington Heights-Inwood, NY Patch July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713191623/https://patch.com/new-york/washington-heights-inwood/mta-elevator-job-cuts-endanger-wash-heights-straphangers-pols live thumb|275px|IRT station, pre-renovation|alt= thumb|275px|Post-renovation The IRT station was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.Records of the National Park Service, 1785–2006 National Archives https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75313913 National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records, 2013–2017 New York MPS 168th Street Subway Station (IRT) 75313913 National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records: New York The IRT elevators remained unreliable in the early 21st century; in 2007 alone, one of the station's elevators malfunctioned 18 times while passengers were inside.Neuman William 2008-05-19 $1 Billion Later, New York's Subway Elevators Still Fail en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/19/nyregion/19elevators.html 2023-07-13 0362-4331 June 5, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230605182829/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/19/nyregion/19elevators.html live From 2013 to 2016, the IRT station was partially renovated, with the station ceiling and northbound platform tilework replaced with replicas and flooring replaced.DJ Hammers Trains May 23, 2016 Views of the newly-reconstructed 168th St Station https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCXaCCLLUn https://web.archive.org/web/20221213150409/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCXaCCLLUn dead December 13, 2022 December 5, 2020 YouTube After a series of elevator malfunctions in 2017, elected officials began advocating for the replacement of the IRT station's elevators,Pichardo Carolina February 13, 2017 168th St. Station Elevators Go Down Again as Elected Officials Blast MTA https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20170213/washington-heights/168th-st-station-elevators-go-down-again-as-elected-officials-blast-mta July 13, 2023 DNAinfo New York June 6, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230606000739/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20170213/washington-heights/168th-st-station-elevators-go-down-again-as-elected-officials-blast-mta/ dead Krisel Brendan February 10, 2017 Uptown Politicians Demand Elevator Fixes At 168th, 181st Street Stations https://patch.com/new-york/washington-heights-inwood/uptown-politicians-demand-elevator-fixes-168th-181st-street July 13, 2023 Washington Heights-Inwood, NY Patch July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713183433/https://patch.com/new-york/washington-heights-inwood/uptown-politicians-demand-elevator-fixes-168th-181st-street live which were nearly twice as old as the average elevator in the New York City Subway system.Barone Vincent February 14, 2017 Washington Heights 1 train station with broken elevators infuriates riders, officials https://www.amny.com/transit/washington-heights-1-train-station-with-broken-elevators-infuriates-riders-officials-1-13124836/ July 13, 2023 amNewYork July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713183433/https://www.amny.com/transit/washington-heights-1-train-station-with-broken-elevators-infuriates-riders-officials-1-13124836/ live By then, the elevators broke down hundreds of times per year,Levine Alexandra S. 2018-10-02 New York Today: Trapped in a Subway Elevator en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/02/nyregion/new-york-today-trapped-in-a-subway-elevator.html 2023-07-13 0362-4331 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713183437/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/02/nyregion/new-york-today-trapped-in-a-subway-elevator.html live inconveniencing passengers who needed to travel to Columbia University Medical Center.Atkinson Khorri 2017-08-04 Lawmakers Toured the Subway to Hear Commuters' Complaints. They Got an Earful. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/04/nyregion/lawmakers-toured-the-subway-to-hear-commuters-complaints-they-got-an-earful.html 2023-07-13 0362-4331 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713183435/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/04/nyregion/lawmakers-toured-the-subway-to-hear-commuters-complaints-they-got-an-earful.html live From January 5 to December 20, 2019, the IRT station was closed so the elevator cars could be replaced, and elevator shafts, mechanical components, and the stairways could be upgraded. During this time, a free out-of-system transfer was provided to the Eighth far north at Inwood–207th Street, from both 207th Street and 215th Street.Abramov Nora Mocker Greg December 18, 2018 5 subway stations will get replacement elevators WPIX 11 New York https://pix11.com/2018/12/18/5-subway-stations-will-get-replacement-elevators/ live December 19, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20190529164827/https://pix11.com/2018/12/18/5-subway-stations-will-get-replacement-elevators/ May 29, 2019http://www.mta.info/press-release/nyc-transit/five-subway-stations-upper-manhattan-receive-new-elevators Five Subway Stations in Upper Manhattan to Receive New Elevators December 18, 2018 mta.info Metropolitan Transportation Authority December 18, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181218170659/http://www.mta.info/press-release/nyc-transit/five-subway-stations-upper-manhattan-receive-new-elevators live December 18, 2018 The IND station was planned to be renovated starting in 2016 as part of the 2010–2014 MTA Capital Program. An MTA study conducted in 2015 found that 48 percent of components in the IND station were out of date.http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/pdf/AC_LineReview.pdf Review of the A and C Lines December 11, 2015 Metropolitan Transportation Authority January 19, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20200203061138/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/pdf/AC_LineReview.pdf February 3, 2020 According to a study conducted by New York University researchers and published in 2024, the 168th Street IRT station had some of the highest particulate matter pollution levels of any subway station in New York City.Barron James The Air in Subway Stations Is Bad for You, Study Finds The New York Times November 26, 2024 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/26/nyregion/subway-stations-pollution.html November 27, 2024Khalifeh Ramsey Lane Charles Toxic NYC subway air puts Black, Hispanic riders at higher health risk, NYU study finds Gothamist August 7, 2024 https://gothamist.com/news/toxic-subway-air-is-worse-for-black-and-hispanic-commuters-nyu-researchers-say November 27, 2024 Service history IRT station After the first subway line was completed in 1908,August 2, 1908 Our First Subway Completed At Last — Opening of the Van Cortlandt Extension Finishes System Begun in 1900 — The Job Cost $60,000,000 — A Twenty-Mile Ride from Brooklyn to 242d Street for a Nickel Is Possible Now 10 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1908/08/02/archives/our-first-subway-completed-at-last-opening-of-the-van-cortlandt.html live limited November 6, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20211223112020/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/08/02/archives/our-first-subway-completed-at-last-opening-of-the-van-cortlandt.html December 23, 2021 the station was served by West Side local and express trains. Express trains began at South Ferry in Manhattan or Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, and ended at 242nd Street in the Bronx. Local trains ran from City Hall to 242nd Street during rush hours, continuing south from City Hall to South Ferry at other times.Herries William https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433081730503;view=1up;seq=151 The Brooklyn Daily Eagle Almanac Brooklyn Daily Eagle 1916 119 December 21, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20210511155639/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433081730503;view=1up;seq=151 May 11, 2021 live In 1918, the Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line opened south of Times Square–42nd Street, and the original line was divided into an H-shaped system. The original subway north of Times Square thus became part of the Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line. Local trains were sent to South Ferry, while express trains used the new Clark Street Tunnel to Brooklyn.August 2, 1918 Open New Subway Lines to Traffic; Called a Triumph 1 The New York Times https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1918/08/02/97011929.pdf live subscription October 4, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20210221065215/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1918/08/02/97011929.pdf February 21, 2021 0362-4331 The IRT routes at the station were given numbered designations in 1948 with the introduction of "R-type" rolling stock, which contained rollsigns with numbered designations for each service.Brown Nicole May 17, 2019 How did the MTA subway lines get their letter or number? NYCurious https://www.amny.com/transit/nyc-subway-name-1-31116195/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20210302020704/https://www.amny.com/transit/nyc-subway-name-1-31116195/ March 2, 2021 January 27, 2021 amNewYork The route to 242nd Street became known as the 1.Friedlander Alex Lonto Arthur Raudenbush Henry April 1960 A Summary of Services on the IRT Division, NYCTA https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/1960/1960-01-bulletin.pdf dead New York Division Bulletin Electric Railroaders' Association 3 1 2 https://web.archive.org/web/20200914232631/https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/1960/1960-01-bulletin.pdf September 14, 2020 January 27, 2021 All 1 trains became local in 1959, and increased and lengthened service was implemented during peak hours on the 1 train on February 6, 1959.February 7, 1959 Wagner Praises Modernized IRT — Mayor and Transit Authority Are Hailed as West Side Changes Take Effect 21 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1959/02/07/archives/wagner-praises-modernized-irt-mayor-and-transit-authority-are.html?_r=0 live subscription November 6, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20180101082503/http://www.nytimes.com/1959/02/07/archives/wagner-praises-modernized-irt-mayor-and-transit-authority-are.html?_r=0 January 1, 2018 In April 1988,Brozan Nadine June 4, 1989 'Skip-Stop' Subway Plan Annoys No. 1 Riders The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/04/nyregion/skip-stop-subway-plan-annoys-no-1-riders.html live limited June 15, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160810125540/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/04/nyregion/skip-stop-subway-plan-annoys-no-1-riders.html August 10, 2016 0362-4331 the New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) unveiled plans to speed up service on the Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line through the implementation of a skip-stop service: the 9 train.Moore Keith June 10, 1988 TA's skip-stop plan hit New York Daily News https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25210677/daily_news/ live November 8, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224523/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25210677/daily_news/ November 8, 2018 When skip-stop service started in 1989, it was only implemented north of 137th Street–City College on weekdays, and 168th Street was served by both the 1 and the 9.August 20, 1989 #1 Riders: Your Service is Changing New York Daily News https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22823286/daily_news/ live November 8, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224708/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22823286/daily_news/ November 8, 2018August 1989 Announcing 1 and 9 Skip-Stop Service on the Broadway-Seventh Avenue Line http://subwaynut.com/brochures/1and9skipstop.pdf dead https://web.archive.org/web/20200626000015/http://subwaynut.com/brochures/1and9skipstop.pdf June 26, 2020 August 1, 2009 New York City Transit AuthorityLorch Donatella August 22, 1989 New Service For Subways On West Side The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/22/nyregion/new-service-for-subways-on-west-side.html live limited June 15, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160810113522/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/22/nyregion/new-service-for-subways-on-west-side.html August 10, 2016 0362-4331 Skip-stop service ended on May 27, 2005, as a result of a decrease in the number of riders who benefited.Chan Sewell May 25, 2005 On Its Last Wheels, No. 9 Line Is Vanishing on Signs The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/25/nyregion/25train.html live limited August 29, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20150317100921/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/25/nyregion/25train.html March 17, 2015 0362-4331May 7, 2005 Noteworthy – 9 discontinued http://www.mta.info/nyct/service/9_discont.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20050507104933/http://www.mta.info/nyct/service/9_discont.htm May 7, 2005 September 18, 2016 mta.info Metropolitan Transportation Authority IND station The A express train has always served the IND station since its inception in 1932. Local service was initially provided by the AA train from 168th Street to Chambers Street/Hudson Terminal; at the time, local services were denoted by double letters and express services by single letters.Chiasson George November 2011 A History of the A Train https://issuu.com/erausa/docs/the_era_bulletin_2011-11 live The Bulletin, New York Division, Electric Railroaders' Association 54 11 2–3 https://web.archive.org/web/20161009104153/https://issuu.com/erausa/docs/the_era_bulletin_2011-11 October 9, 2016 January 7, 2017 The AA was discontinued in 1933 when the CC began running on the local tracks along the Eighth Avenue and Concourse lines.December 15, 1940 The New Subway Routes The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1940/12/15/archives/the-new-subway-routes.html live subscription June 20, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20180416013306/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/12/15/archives/the-new-subway-routes.html April 16, 2018 0362-4331 The original BB train started running with the opening of the Sixth Avenue Line on December 15, 1940, ran as a rush-hour only local service starting at 168th Street–Washington Heights. The "B" designation was originally intended to designate express trains originating in Washington Heights and going to Midtown Manhattan on the Sixth Avenue Line.December 15, 1940 How Trains Run Now In Independent Subway 32A New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1247301813 The AA was resurrected when the BB was created, running outside rush hours. The AA was renamed the K in 1985, while the BB was renamed the B. The K train was completely replaced by the C midday service on December 11, 1988, with all local service at 168th Street being provided by the B.June 17, 2016 System-Wide Changes In Subway Service Effective Sunday, December 11, 1988 https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/27699872706/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20160915071757/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/27699872706/ September 15, 2016 June 17, 2016 New York City Transit Authority Flickr On March 1, 1998, the B and the C switched northern terminals, ending B service to Washington Heights; the C began serving the station at all times except late nights.March 1998 March 1, 1998 B C Routes are switching places above 145 St https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/30425279591/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20170105070321/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/30425279591/ January 5, 2017 October 23, 2016 New York City Transit Flickr Station layout GroundStreet levelExit/entranceBasement 1MezzanineFare control, station agentBasement 2IND platform levelNorthbound express← newyork A toward NYCS Inwood–207th Street (NYCS 175th Street)Island platform Northbound local← newyork C termination track ← newyork A toward NYCS Inwood–207th Street late nights (NYCS 175th Street)Southbound local→ newyork C toward NYCS Euclid Avenue (NYCS 163rd Street–Amsterdam Avenue) →Island platform Southbound express→ newyork A toward NYCS Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue, NYCS Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street, or NYCS Ozone Park–Lefferts Boulevard (NYCS 163rd Street–Amsterdam Avenue late nights, NYCS 145th Street Eighth other times) →→ newyork C toward NYCS Euclid AvenueFor trains that are coming from the 207th Street Yard (NYCS 163rd Street–Amsterdam Avenue) →Basement 3CrossoverCrossover over Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line platforms; to elevatorsBasement 4IRT platform levelSide platformNorthbound← newyork 1 toward NYCS Van Cortlandt Park–242nd Street (NYCS 181st Street Broadway-Seventh)Southbound → newyork 1 toward NYCS South Ferry Broadway-Seventh (NYCS 157th Street) →Side platform The IRT platforms are very deep, with the only public connection between the platforms and fare control being made via elevator. Close to street level is an upper mezzanine level with an unstaffed fare control area. Four elevators lead down to a lower mezzanine below the IRT platforms.6 At the upper mezzanine, a closed passageway exists behind the elevator bank. The IRT's 168th Street station was one of the few on the original IRT line to contain elevators.October 1, 1904 Passenger Stations and Engineering Details of the New York Subway System 24 468 The Street Railway Journal 14 747960894 The IRT station is one of three stations in the New York City Subway system that can be accessed solely by elevators. The other two, also located on the Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line, are 181st Street one stop to the north, as well as Clark Street on the Broadway-Seventh Brooklyn in Brooklyn. However, the IRT station is not ADA-accessible. As part of the 2017 Fast Forward plan to modernize the subway system, 50 more stations will become ADA-accessible during the MTA's 2020–2024 Capital Program, allowing all riders to have an accessible station within two stops in either direction.https://www.mta.info/sites/default/files/mtaimgs/fast_forward_the_plan_to_modernize_nyct.pdf Fast Forward: The Plan to Modernize New York City Transit May 23, 2018 Metropolitan Transportation Authority mta.info May 23, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180822222627/https://www.mta.info/sites/default/files/mtaimgs/fast_forward_the_plan_to_modernize_nyct.pdf August 22, 2018 live41 To meet this goal, one station in the Washington Heights/Inwood area will have to be made accessible on the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line.NYCT Public Event – Discussion About the Next Accessible Subway Stations – 02/06/2019 February 7, 2019 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvHkh1_8Lcs https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/CvHkh1_8Lcs December 13, 2021 live Metropolitan Transportation Authority February 11, 2019 The 168th Street station was ultimately selected to be retrofitted as part of the plan.Ricciulli Valeria September 20, 2019 MTA announces 48 stations that will get accessibility upgrades Curbed NY https://ny.curbed.com/2019/9/20/20876161/mta-accesible-stations-ada-nyc-subway dead September 22, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190920235232/https://ny.curbed.com/2019/9/20/20876161/mta-accesible-stations-ada-nyc-subway September 20, 2019 The accessibility project was to be funded by congestion pricing in New York City, but it was postponed in June 2024 after the implementation of congestion pricing was delayed.Collins Keith 2024-07-11 See How Your Subway Service May Suffer Without Congestion Pricing https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/07/11/nyregion/subway-cuts-congestion-pricing.html 2024-07-12 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 A slightly sloped corridor within fare control leads between the IRT and IND mezzanines.6 A full-length mezzanine extends above the IND platforms. Elevators from the mezzanine to the street, and to each IND platform, make that portion of the station ADA-accessible. Exits The full-time fare control area is at the center of the mezzanine, and has a turnstile bank, token booth, and one staircase and one elevator going up to the southeast corner of West 168th Street and Saint Nicholas Avenue. The part-time side at the north end of the mezzanine has HEET turnstiles and three staircases, two to the southwest corner of Broadway and 169th Street and one to the northwest corner. An exit-only turnstile in the middle of the mezzanine, near the corridor leading to the IRT platforms, leads to a staircase going up to north end of Mitchell Square Park on the south side of West 168th Street between Broadway and Saint Nicholas Avenue.Washington Heights The passageway leading to the IRT elevators is just beyond the full-time fare control area. There are two exit stairs past this part-time fare control area, near the southwest corner of Broadway and 168th Street, which face north and south.6 The southernmost portion of the mezzanine, which is outside fare control, is closed. It features one passage on the east side of the IND station with two exits to the southeastern corner of 167th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue and a passage on the west side of the IND station with two exits to Mitchel Square Park. The closed mezzanine area is now used for New York City Transit employees only. The western area was closed in the 1980s for safety reasons, while the eastern area was closed in 1992. IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line platforms 168 Street IRT Broadway-Seventh 168th Street Southbound Platform.jpg View from southbound platform IRT IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line Broadway-Seventh north 2 side platforms 2 Underground 1906 04 14 y 2019 01 05 y 2019 12 20 y mf yes New York City Subway Broadway-Seventh north 181st Street 157th Street alltimes yes 168th Street Subway Station (IRT) March 30, 2005 New York City Subway System MPS 05000232 New York State Register of Historic Places December 18, 2004Cultural Resource Information System (CRIS) New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation November 7, 2014 https://cris.parks.ny.gov/ July 20, 2023 April 4, 2019 http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20190404141934/https://cris.parks.ny.gov/ live 06101.007634 181st Street 157th Street IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line y 330 uvÜSTr Washington Heights-168th Street station The 168th Street station (sometimes announced on the trains as the Washington Heights-168th Street station) on the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line has two tracks and two side platforms,trackref trackbook33 and is served by the 1 train at all times.timetable 1 The station is between 181st Street to the north and 157th Street to the south.map It is one of three in the deep-level Fort George Mine Tunnel, along with the 181st Street and 191st Street stations to the north; the tunnel allows the Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line to travel under the high terrain of Washington Heights.Roess R.P. https://books.google.com/books?id=qfZ0VxuLoc0C&pg=PA166 The Wheels That Drove New York: A History of the New York City Transit System Sansone G. Springer Berlin Heidelberg 2012 978-3-642-30484-2 Springer Tracts on Transportation and Traffic July 16, 2016165 Sources disagree on the station's depth, which has been variously cited as 99 ft,26 Oct 1941 44 Miles of City Subways Offer Bomb Protection for 2,134,512: Deeper Sections Safe Against Any Air Assault; Vehicular and Railroad Tunnels Would Be Chief Means of Evacuating Manhattan A4 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1260451213 100 ft, or 117 ft.1906-06-03 Subway Traffic Light 4 New-York Tribune https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-subway-traffic-light/128125078/ 2023-07-13 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713025443/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-subway-traffic-light/128125078/ live The station was originally 320 ft longMar 24, 1906 Opening of Broadway Extension to Harlem River. Scientific American XCIV 12 254 126847643 but was extended to fit 514 ft m -long mid trains in 1948. Near the north end of the station, there are four elevators adjacent to the southbound platform, which lead to the fare control level. These elevators are accessed via a concourse several steps above the southbound platform. The lower sections of the concourse walls are clad with white tile, topped by a band of green tile, while the tops of the walls and the ceilings are made of concrete. Two footbridges with staircases connect the platforms.6 The elevators rise 76 ft to the upper mezzanine level, which connects with the IND platforms.Cohen Mark Francis 1996-05-19 Neighborhood Report: Brooklyn Heights; Subway Elevators Off Track en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/19/nyregion/neighborhood-report-brooklyn-heightssubway-elevators-off-track.html 2023-07-13 0362-4331 July 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230713183432/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/19/nyregion/neighborhood-report-brooklyn-heightssubway-elevators-off-track.html live A rear passageway at the lower mezzanine level allows passengers to board and alight on different sides of the elevator cabs. The northern open bridge and northbound platform features a passageway east of the northbound side to an eastern elevator shaft.4Gray Christopher April 21, 1991 Streetscapes: The 168th Street IRT Station; Vaulted Grandeur Deep Underground en-US The New York Times limited https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/21/realestate/streetscapes-the-168th-street-irt-station-vaulted-grandeur-deep-underground.html live June 19, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20191211010913/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/21/realestate/streetscapes-the-168th-street-irt-station-vaulted-grandeur-deep-underground.html December 11, 2019 0362-4331 This shaft contained the two original elevators to and from the platforms.4 Each shaft measured 15 by 32 ft wide. The eastern elevator shaft are planned to be reused for ADA accessibility to at least the northbound platform.https://youtube.com/watch?v=AlYMUbbz1iE?si=y5wlC01PY5g77eHQ&t=1216 MTA Board - Capital Program Committee Meeting - 09/18/2023 YouTube September 19, 2023 There is also a stairway on the extreme northern end of both platforms, which ascends to a relay and signal power room. This stairway is not visible to the public.5 Design Much of the station is contained within a vault that measures 47 ft wide and 26 ft high.3 The lowest 6 ft of the vault walls are wainscoted with rust-colored brick. Atop the brick wainscoting are a belt course made of marble and a multicolored mosaic frieze measuring about 16 in thick. The tops of the walls contain tan brick. Tile name tablets are placed above the frieze at regular intervals, with white letters on a dark-green background surrounded by floral designs. These tablets contain the text "168th Street".5 The center of the vault ceiling has multicolored terracotta medallions at regular intervals; these formerly held lighting fixtures. Where the elevator shafts are positioned, the station widens to 73 ft. The station's platform extensions have ceilings that are 10 to 12 ft above the platform level. At the portals between the original vault and the much lower ceilings of the platform extensions, there is a wide arch over the tracks flanked by narrow arches over each platform. These transitions are clad with tan brick. The arch over the tracks has a volute with a laurel wreath. Between the arches, the lower portions of the walls are clad in gray marble.4 The walls of the platform extensions have white ceramic tiles with mosaic friezes as well as plaques with the words "168th Street". The walls are divided every 15 ft by multicolored tile pilasters that are 16 in wide. There are two tile panels with the number "168" in each panel. Columns near the platform edge, clad with white tile, support the jack-arched concrete station roof.5 Gallery IND Eighth Avenue Line platforms 168 Street yes IND Eighth Avenue Line platforms only Downtown A and C trains at 168th Street June 2026 1.jpg A and C trains on the downtown platform IND IND Eighth Avenue Line Eighth north 2 island platformscross-platform interchange 4 Underground 1932 09 10 yList of the 28 Stations on the New 8th Av. Line 0362-4331 subscription https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1932/09/10/100849595.html?pageNumber=6 April 21, 2020 The New York Times September 10, 1932 6 May 2, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210502021407/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1932/09/10/100849595.html?pageNumber=6 live yes New York City Subway Eighth express north 175th Street 145th Street 1 1 Eighth local north 163rd Street–Amsterdam Avenue 1 allexceptnightsalltimesnightsonly y Track layout track uvSTR!~MFADEg ~~ ~~ ~~ to 174th Street Yard udSTR!~dMFADEg\uvSTRg!~vNULf@f\udSTR!~dMFADEg ~~ ~~ ~~ to NYCS 175th Street Eighth udSTRf\uvÜST\udSTRg uvSTR\uvÜST \udSTR\uvÜST\udSTR\numN350 uv-SHI2r\uvSTR\uvSHI2l- udSTR\dPLT\uvSTR\dPLT\udSTR udSTR\dPLT\uvSTR\dPLT\udSTR udSTR\dPLT\uvSTR\dPLT\udSTR udSTR\dPLT\uvSTR\dPLT\udSTR uvSHI2l-\uvSTR\uv-SHI2r uvÜST\uvSTR uvSTRf\uvSTRg utdSTR!~dMFADEf\uvSTR\utdSTR!~dMFADEf ~~ ~~ ~~ Express to NYCS 145th Street Eighth uvSTR!~MFADEf ~~ ~~ ~~ Local to 163rd Street–Amsterdam Ave The 168th Street station is an express station on the IND Eighth Avenue Line that has four tracks and two island platforms. The A train stops here at all times,timetable a making express stops during the day and local stops during the night; and the C train stops here except at night and always makes local stops.timetable c The station is the northern terminus for C trains; the next station to the north is 175th Street for A trains. The next station to the south is 163rd Street–Amsterdam Avenue for local trains and 145th Street for express trains. Unlike other express stations in the subway system, the express tracks, used by the A train, are on the outside and the local tracks, used by the C train, are on the inside. This is to make it easier for C trains to originate and terminate here, and turn around north of the station to make the southbound trip to Brooklyn. South of this station, the outer express tracks descend to a lower level below the inner local tracks, creating a two-over-two track layout. North of the station, the inner local tracks continue north underneath Broadway to the 174th Street Yard, while the outer express tracks turn sharply under Fort Washington Avenue and continue for four more stations before terminating at Inwood–207th Street. During the night, the A train makes local stops, using the northbound local track before crossing over to the express one afterwards and the southbound express track before crossing over to the local one afterwards. Both outer track walls have a maroon trim line with a black border and small "168" tile captions below them in white numbering on a black border. The maroon trim line was part of a color-coded tile system used throughout the IND.August 22, 1932 Tile Colors a Guide in the New Subway; Decoration Scheme Changes at Each Express Stop to Tell Riders Where They Are en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1932/08/22/archives/tile-colors-a-guide-in-the-new-subway-decoration-scheme-changes-at.html live July 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220701184626/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/08/22/archives/tile-colors-a-guide-in-the-new-subway-decoration-scheme-changes-at.html July 1, 2022 0362-4331 The tile colors were designed to facilitate navigation for travelers going away from Lower Manhattan.Carlson Jen February 18, 2016 Map: These Color Tiles In The Subway System Used To Mean Something https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/map-these-color-tiles-in-the-subway-system-used-to-mean-something May 10, 2023 Gothamist May 10, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230510153052/https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/map-these-color-tiles-in-the-subway-system-used-to-mean-something live Gleason Will February 18, 2016 The hidden meaning behind the New York subway's colored tiles https://www.timeout.com/newyork/blog/the-hidden-meaning-behind-the-new-york-subways-colored-tiles-021816 May 10, 2023 Time Out New York May 10, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230510153052/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/blog/the-hidden-meaning-behind-the-new-york-subways-colored-tiles-021816 live Because 168th Street is the northernmost express station on the Eighth Avenue Line, the color-coded tiles at stations north of 168th Street were originally maroon.8 Sep 1932 8th Av. Subway Tests Trains on Full Schedule: Line Begins Operation Pending Receipt of First Nickel Tomorrow Night 1 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1221293658The 175th Street IND Eighth Avenue Line and Dyckman Street IND Eighth Avenue Line stations do not have colored tile bands. This station has a full-length mezzanine above the platforms and tracks. Black I-beam columns run along the platform, alternating ones having the standard black name plate with white lettering. Gallery Nearby points of interest Nearby points of interest include NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, Fort Washington Armory, Fort Washington Park on the Hudson River waterfront, and remnants of the Audubon Ballroom. Notes References 30em External links http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/stations?6:85 IRT West Side Line 168th Street http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/stations?7:3171 IND 8th Avenue 168th Street Station Reporter – 168 Street/Broadway Complex The Subway Nut – Washington Heights–168th Street Pictures https://web.archive.org/web/20170608114504/http://www.subwaynut.com/ct/168a/index.php June 8, 2017 168th Street entrance to Eighth Avenue Line from Google Maps Street View 169th Street entrance to Eighth Avenue Line from Google Maps Street View 168th Street entrance to Broadway-Seventh Avenue Line from Google Maps Street View IRT overpass from Google Maps Street View IRT platforms from Google Maps Street View IND platforms from Google Maps Street View y y y yes yes collapsed Category:IND Eighth Avenue Line stations Category:IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line stations Category:Broadway (Manhattan) Category:New York City Subway stations in Manhattan Category:New York City Subway terminals Category:New York City Subway transfer stations Category:Railway and subway stations on the National Register of Historic Places in Manhattan Category:Washington Heights, Manhattan Category:Railway stations in the United States opened in 1948 Category:Railway stations in the United States opened in 1906 Category:Railway stations in the United States opened in 1932 Category:1948 establishments in New York City Category:1906 establishments in New York City Category:1932 establishments in New York City Category:New York State Register of Historic Places in New York County