Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a major milestone in New York City’s subway safety initiative: protective platform edge barriers have now been installed at 56 stations, with over 100 installations expected by year’s end. This rollout follows her 2025 State of the State directive aimed at safeguarding riders and transit workers.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is executing the project using in-house labor and equipment, accelerating timelines and reducing costs. Alongside barrier installations, the MTA has upgraded lighting in 342 stations with brighter, energy-efficient LED bulbs, on track to retrofit all 472 stations by December.

🛡️ Safety Gains and Public Support

Recent surveys show 59% of riders support platform barriers, with approval rising to 88% among seniors. Riders report feeling safer and more confident navigating platforms, especially in high-traffic areas.

Crime in the subway system has dropped by 3% compared to last year, and by nearly 10% from pre-pandemic levels, according to MTA data. Officials credit the improvements to a combination of physical upgrades, expanded security camera coverage, and increased NYPD presence.

🚉 Where Barriers Are Now Installed

Stations across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens have received barriers, including Clark St, Bedford Av, Grand Central-42 St, and Flushing-Main St. Priority was given to stations with standard car-stopping positions, island platforms, and high ridership on lines such as the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, F, M, and L.

NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow emphasized the public’s positive response: “Customers are telling us platform barriers make them feel safer—and they want to see more of them.”

Assemblymember Alex Bores added, “These barriers save lives and encourage ridership. They’re fast to install, cost-effective, and essential to a safer subway system.”

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