NYC Subway Installs Barriers at 56 Stations to Enhance Safety

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has installed protective platform edge barriers at 56 subway stations as part of a broader safety initiative aimed at completing barriers on over 100 platforms by the end of 2025. These barriers are designed to prevent unauthorized track intrusion, including accidental falls or intentional pushes, and have been positively received by riders, with 59% overall and 88% of riders over 65 supporting their installation. The MTA is also upgrading station lighting with LED bulbs, having completed installations at 342 stations and targeting all 472 stations by year-end. Alongside barrier installations and lighting improvements, the MTA has equipped all subway cars with security cameras and increased NYPD deployments, contributing to a 3% drop in major crime compared to last year and nearly 10% compared to pre-pandemic levels. MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber credited these safety investments with significantly boosting customer satisfaction and improving both the actual and perceived safety of the subway system. Overall, these coordinated efforts underscore the administration's commitment to enhancing subway safety and rider confidence in New York City's transit system.