nights. In 1992, the MTA decided to have F trains run local east of 71st Avenue on a six-month trial basis to replace R service, which would be cut back to 71st Avenue at all times. The test started on October 26, 1992 and was implemented on a permanent basis six months later, eliminating express service along Hillside Avenue. In 2003, MTA proposed closing 177 part-time token booths, later reduced to 62, across the subway system and replace them with MetroCard Vending Machines and High-Entry/Exit Turnstiles to help cut the MTA's $1 billion deficit. The closure of booths began in August 2003. The station's part-time token booth, which was manned for hours on weekdays, at 153rd Street was closed on August 17, 2003, and automatic entrance to the 153rd Street exits was provided at all times. Access hours at these entrances were previously 6:15 a.m. to 10:40 p.m. Under the 2015–2019 MTA Capital Program, the station, along with thirty other New York City Subway stations, were scheduled to undergo a complete overhaul and would have been entirely closed for up to 6 months. Updates would have included cellular service, Wi-Fi, charging stations, improved signage, and improved station lighting. However, these renovations are being deferred until the 2020–2024 Capital Program due to a lack of funding. In December 2019, the MTA announced that this station would become ADA-accessible as part of the agency's 2020–2024 Capital Program. Station layout This underground station has four tracks and two island platforms. F trains stop on the outer local tracks at all times while infrequent rush hour E trains stop on the center express tracks (four southbound and three northbound during the AM rush, and three southbound and four northbound during the PM rush). The platform and mezzanine columns are I-beams painted maroon-red and the wall tiles along the tracks have a vermilion trim-line with a black border and name tiles underneath them consisting of "PARSONS" in white lettering on a black background. Some of the black columns separating the express tracks have white signs reading "Parsons" in black lettering. There is a usually unmanned signal tower on the southern end of the Manhattan-bound platform. Above the platforms is a full-length mezzanine that connects the two station entrances at either end. It allows free crossovers between directions, and has more staircases to the Jamaica-bound platform than the Manhattan-bound one because a crew office was built