The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has found itself in hot water over a recent pilot project that aimed to enhance safety at subway stations. This initiative involved the installation of yellow safety rails in the middle of platforms at three subway stops: 57th Street on the F line, Bedford Street on the L line, and Crescent Street on the J line. However, troubling questions about the effectiveness and cost of these barriers have arisen, leaving many frustrated and questioning the agency’s priorities.
These mid-platform barriers were introduced as part of a broader effort to mitigate accidents caused by falls or people being pushed onto the tracks—a serious concern that intensified after a tragic incident in January 2022. A young woman, Michelle Go, lost her life after being shoved onto the tracks at Times Square, prompting the MTA to seek out solutions to improve commuter safety.
At a board meeting in March 2023, Jamie Torres-Springer, the president of MTA Construction & Development, expressed optimism. He mentioned the goal was to allow commuters to stand safely on the platform, reassuring them during their wait for trains. However, it’s now two years later, and the MTA is refusing to disclose the costs associated with the project or whether these barriers are achieving their intended purpose. The agency has not responded to inquiries seeking clarity for three weeks now.
Observations from rush hour at the West 57th Street station this week painted a stark picture. Instead of being used as a safety measure, the barriers appeared to serve other purposes. Many commuters were leaning against them, remarking that they did not feel any safer in their presence. In one instance, a homeless person used the barrier as a makeshift coat rack, while another individual appeared to be stretching against it. “Useless,” was a sentiment expressed by Charles Sprawls, a 59-year-old New Yorker who highlighted that many people, including the homeless, frequently rest against the structures.
There is a general consensus among commuters that these mid-platform barriers do not make sense. About the installations, Eduardo Lopez, a 28-year-old rider, noted, “On the L train, they have them by the edge and that makes sense, but this is a waste of space.” It’s evident from such comments that the public believes clearer safety measures could be more effective if placed closer to the edge of the platforms, where the threat of falling onto the tracks is more serious.
While the MTA is currently exploring other designs to enhance platform safety, their rollout has not succeeded in flattering public opinion. Safety barriers appropriately placed at the edges of the platforms have been introduced at approximately 20 locations thus far. Legislative support for continued funding has come from Governor Kathy Hochul, who announced in January that she would back the installation of edge barriers at an additional 100 stations by 2025.
The lack of transparency regarding the costs and effectiveness of the mid-platform barriers reflects poorly on the MTA. If taxpayer dollars are being spent, the public deserves to know how their money is being utilized and the results of such projects. With so many real safety concerns in the transit system, it seems fundamental that we prioritize solutions that effectively address the dangers commuters face.
As the MTA continues to evaluate safety options, it is vital that they take into account the practical input from the everyday riders who navigate these platforms daily. The focus should be on implementing strategies that actually enhance safety and provide genuine peace of mind for subway riders.
Moving forward, it’s crucial that transit authorities listen to commuter feedback and emphasize accountability in their operations. If we are going to invest in safety measures, they should be worth the funds spent and genuinely improve the commuting experience. It may be time for the MTA to rethink its approach and ensure that the actions they take prioritize the safety and comfort of New Yorkers, rather than merely serving as a superficial salve to a much deeper problem.
