In a continued effort to enhance safety in New York City's subway system, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that protective platform edge barriers have been installed at more than 50 stations. This initiative, outlined in her State of the State address, is part of a broader strategy to reduce accidents and improve security for both passengers and transit workers. The MTA is also advancing its station lighting upgrades to LED technology, with 342 stations completed so far and a goal to retrofit all 472 subway stations by the end of the year, according to the Governor's office.
Discussing the MTA's efforts to improve public transit, Governor Hochul said in a press release, "New Yorkers' safety will always be my number one priority, and customers need to both feel and be secure every time they ride the subway." Citing a decrease in transit crime by 3 percent from the previous year and an almost 10 percent drop from pre-pandemic levels, the Governor emphasized the positive trend in the subway's safety statistics. Remaining on track to achieve the installation of these protective barriers in over 100 locations by the end of the year, the MTA is fulfilling the commitment made by Governor Hochul's administration, as she had been mentioned in the State of the State address.
Moreover, MTA leadership has expressed support for the enhanced security measures in the subway system. MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber noted that investments under Governor Hochul’s direction are focused on ensuring both the actual and perceived safety of riders. He credited the rise in customer satisfaction to the addition of platform edge barriers, upgraded lighting, expanded security camera coverage, and increased NYPD presence throughout the system.
The initiative has received positive feedback from commuters, particularly older subway riders. Customer surveys indicate that 59 percent of riders support the installation of platform barriers, with approval rising to 88 percent among those aged 65 and older. NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow highlighted the strong public response and the swift completion of over 50 installations. This favorable reception has aligned with the MTA’s strategy to accelerate the installation process using in-house labor and equipment to improve cost efficiency and shorten timelines.
The newly installed platform barriers—intended to enhance both physical safety and the perception of security—are now present at stations across multiple subway lines in all five boroughs, including high-traffic locations and those with island platforms. Station selection has been based on several factors, such as consistent train stopping positions and high ridership. Recent installations have been completed at stations including Clark Street, Morgan Avenue, and Flushing-Main Street. Assemblymember Alex Bores, who has advocated for these safety measures, acknowledged the Governor’s proactive efforts and recognized the barriers as a cost-effective and efficiently implemented tool for improving rider safety.
