You might have noticed some of the 56 platform barriers already installed across NYC subway stations, but this is only the beginning of the MTA’s 2025 goal. By the end of the year, MTA plans to install more than 100 protective platform edge barriers across subway stations.
The protective platform barriers are part of a larger safety initiative announced in the State of the State address to improve subway safety of riders and workers. Additional system upgrades include safer, brighter LED bulbs now installed in 342 stations—with a total 472 upgraded subway stations to come by the end of 2025.
Governor Kathy Hochul recently said:
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…At my direction, the MTA has ramped up the installation of protective platform barriers, building on their efforts to brighten stations with LED lighting and equip every subway car with security cameras. Transit crime is down in 2025, and these efforts will make the subway system safer for everyone.
Thus far, crime has dropped nearly 10% compared to pre-pandemic levels and 3% since the same period last year.
According to a customer survey, 59% of riders wanted these protective platform barriers installed throughout the system. For riders over 65 years old, 88% wanted these barriers installed. In fact, a majority of the survey participants claimed the barriers do make them feel safer and that they believe the barriers will protect against falling onto the tracks.
Subway stations selected for platform barrier installation were chosen based on feasibility along the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, F, M and L train lines with high ridership levels and island platforms.
“With new platform barriers, MTA’s thousands of new security cameras, increased deployments from the NYPD, and 10 percent less crime before COVID, it’s no wonder customer satisfaction has risen dramatically this year,” noted MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber.
See a full list of stations with existing platform edge barriers here.