Installed: Over fifty protective platform barriers in MTA subway stations
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is making significant strides in improving safety in the New York City subway system. By the end of 2025, over 100 subway stations are expected to have protective platform edge barriers installed as part of the MTA's safety initiative launched under Governor Kathy Hochul's 2025 program.
Currently, 56 stations have had these barriers installed, and the MTA is on track to more than double this number by year-end. The barriers are designed to prevent passengers from falling or being pushed onto the tracks, improving both actual and perceived safety.
The selection of stations for the installation of platform barriers prioritizes feasibility, including stations with standard car-stopping positions on the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, F, M, and L trains. The installation of these barriers is one of the initiatives announced by Gov. Hochul to protect subway riders and workers.
NYCT President Demetrius Crichlow stated that over 50 platform barriers have already been installed, with over 50 more on the way by the end of the year. The installation of these barriers is being accelerated due to Gov. Hochul's support.
In addition to the platform barriers, the MTA is upgrading station lighting with brighter, safer LED bulbs. LED lighting has been installed in 342 subway stations, with the goal of upgrading all 472 stations by the end of the year.
A majority of New York City Transit riders (59%) want the installation of protective platform barriers throughout the system, with 88% of riders over the age of 65 expressing this preference. According to recent customer surveys, a large portion of riders believe that the presence of platform barriers makes them feel safer and will protect against falls onto the tracks.
The MTA's efforts to improve safety in the subway system are yielding positive results. Transit crime is down in 2025, and customer satisfaction has risen dramatically this year. The goal is to have these platform edge barriers at over 100 stations by the end of 2025 out of the subway system's 472 stations. Under Gov. Hochul's leadership, the MTA is making investments to ensure the subway system is both safe and feels safe to riders.
Platform barriers in New York City are built and installed using in-house NYCT labor and machinery, resulting in lower costs and a faster installation timeline. The MTA aims to install barriers at over 100 subway stations by the end of the year, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve safety in the subway system. Safety in the subway system is improving, with overall major crimes dropping by three percent from the same period last year.
- The technology of protective platform edge barriers is being heavily invested in by the MTA, as part of Governor Kathy Hochul's 2025 program, with the goal of installing them at over 100 subway stations by the end of 2025.
- The finance sector is involved in the MTA's safety initiative, as the installation of these barriers is being accelerated due to Governor Hochul's support, reducing costs through the use of in-house labor and machinery.
- The installation of these barriers is a key issue in politics, with 59% of New York City Transit riders wanting their installation throughout the system, and 88% of riders over the age of 65 expressing this preference. This initiative is a part of the general news, as safety in the New York City subway system has seen significant improvements due to these and other measures.
