The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced on Tuesday, February 20th, that all 150,000 fluorescent light fixtures across NYC’s dreary subway system will be converted to LED lights by the middle of 2026.
The lighting project, which began in late January 2024, is a way to not only make stations brighter, but also safer for straphangers by enhancing illumination for the subway system’s 15,000 security cameras. The project also brings with it financial benefits.
NYC Transit President Richard Davey stated:
By upgrading the lighting at each of our 472 subway stations, we are not only making our stations brighter and safer for customers but also reducing our costs and emissions. It’s simple: a brighter station is a safer station. Transit crews have already upgraded the lighting at every station where we’ve completed a Re-NEW-Vation, and customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
LED lights have already been installed at Bergen St (F, G), Carroll St (F, G), and most recently at Lafayette Av (C).
The project follows on footsteps of the MTA’s Re-NEW-Vation project, which included station-wide repairs, enhancements, and deep cleanings across the subway system.
MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara stated:
Increasing safety and enhancing the customer experience in stations remains a top priority for the MTA – by switching over to LED lighting, we are providing a brighter and safer look and feel to station environments for customers and transit workers. Riders should rest assured that every subway station will have this brightened makeover.
The news comes shortly after subway platform barriers were unveiled at the 191 St Station.
The MTA has also been working on a number of other projects to improve the subway system, such as changing which emergency exit gates open, implementing new AI software, and unveiling new wide-aisle turnstiles to tackle fare evasion.
As always, if you find yourself riding the subway be sure to always follow these unspoken subway rules!