Governor Hochul announces that protective platform barriers have now been installed at more than 50 subway stations across New York City to enhance safety

New York – In a significant step forward for public safety and commuter confidence, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has successfully installed protective platform barriers at 56 subway stations across New York City. This development is a crucial part of the Governor’s broader initiative aimed at enhancing security and overall conditions within the subway system, which millions of New Yorkers rely on each day.

The installation of these protective barriers reflects the Governor’s commitment, as outlined in her 2025 State of the State address, to equip over 100 subway stations with barriers by the end of the year. Officials have confirmed that this project remains on track. This measure is just one piece of a more comprehensive strategy designed to safeguard both riders and transit workers. The wider program includes station upgrades, improved lighting, additional surveillance, and closer collaboration with law enforcement.

Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of safety for everyone who uses the subway system. “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,” she said. “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.”

The rollout of these barriers comes in response to growing concerns among commuters, especially regarding safety on crowded platforms. Recent customer surveys conducted by the MTA indicate that a majority of riders not only support the addition of barriers but actively feel safer as a result. A striking 88 percent of riders over the age of 65 expressed strong approval of the protective measures, citing them as necessary safeguards against accidental falls and other potential platform-related dangers.

Read also: Attorney General Letitia James files lawsuit against St. Lawrence County gun shop over repeated violations of gun safety laws and security failures

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber praised the progress made under Governor Hochul’s leadership, highlighting both the physical safety benefits and the psychological reassurance these improvements bring to riders. “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we’re making investments to ensure that our system not only is safe but — equally important — feels safe to riders. 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.”

More Than Safety: Improving Stations Through Lighting and Technology
Alongside the installation of protective platform barriers, the MTA is advancing its project to overhaul station lighting. The replacement of old lighting systems with modern LED bulbs has now been completed in 342 subway stations, with a firm goal of upgrading all 472 stations by the end of 2025. Officials report that these brighter lights not only improve visibility and make stations feel more inviting but also contribute to crime reduction efforts by creating a more secure environment.

These safety initiatives are underpinned by encouraging statistics. Overall, major crimes in the subway system are down 3 percent compared to the same period last year. When compared to pre-pandemic crime levels, the decrease is nearly 10 percent, marking a tangible improvement in system-wide safety.

MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer expressed satisfaction with the rapid progress being made and attributed much of the success to the use of in-house labor, which has helped streamline operations and cut costs. “This is the new MTA in action: working better, faster, and cheaper to improve the rider experience and keep customers safe. Using in-house labor has driven down costs and increased our pace on this project, and we’re ready to make even greater strides in the second half of 2025.”

Where Riders Are Seeing the Changes
The newly installed barriers can be found at stations across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, prioritizing stops on major lines such as the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, F, M, and L trains. In selecting the locations, the MTA considered factors such as station feasibility, rider volume, and whether platforms were designed in ways that accommodate consistent train stopping positions.

Read also: New York State Police continue investigation into fatal crash that involved two motorcycles and an SUV on a rural road in Clayton

Notably, stations with island platforms and higher ridership levels have been prioritized in the installation process. Among the Brooklyn locations are key stops like Myrtle-Wyckoff Avenues, Bedford Avenue, and Grand Army Plaza. Manhattan installations include heavily trafficked hubs such as Grand Central-42nd Street, Fulton Street, and 125th Street. In Queens, riders will see the new barriers at stations like Flushing-Main Street, Woodhaven Boulevard, and Jamaica Center-Parsons Boulevard-Archer Avenue.

NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow highlighted the positive feedback coming directly from subway riders. “Customers are telling us platform barriers make them feel safer and they want to see more of them. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s support, we’re getting barriers into stations quickly with more than 50 already installed and over 50 more on the way by the end of the year. I’m proud of the NYC Transit team for the incredible work they’re doing in-house to build and install barriers and look forward to keeping up the momentum.”

Barriers Reflect Broader Commitment to Rider Well-Being
Beyond preventing accidental falls, the platform barriers have been designed as a visible symbol of the city’s commitment to improving transit conditions. Their presence signals a clear shift toward prioritizing rider well-being not only through technological advancements but also through thoughtful station design and operational enhancements.

Assemblymember Alex Bores, a vocal advocate for these changes, also shared his enthusiasm for the project’s progress. “Protective platform edge barriers save lives. In addition to providing a safe place to stand, the barriers give riders peace of mind and encourage ridership; and a fully populated subway system is a safer system. Additionally, platform barriers are quick to install and extremely cost-effective, saving taxpayers money. I have advocated for these barriers from before my life in public office, and I am grateful to the Governor for incorporating these lifesaving tools into her comprehensive subway safety plan.”

These platform barriers, manufactured and installed using the in-house resources of New York City Transit (NYCT), reflect a focus on efficiency and cost savings. By leveraging internal staff and machinery, the MTA has managed to keep expenses lower than they would have been if the project had relied on external contractors. This approach also ensures a quicker timeline, keeping pace with the Governor’s ambitious end-of-year goal.

Looking Ahead
With the project now more than halfway to completion, attention turns to the remaining 50-plus stations scheduled to receive barriers before the close of 2025. As work continues, the MTA and city officials are confident that these measures will contribute to lasting improvements not just in rider safety, but also in public trust in the subway system’s modernization efforts.

Officials acknowledge that while protective barriers and LED lights alone won’t solve every challenge facing the subway, they are critical elements in a broader effort to transform the system into one that riders can count on for both safety and reliability.

Governor Hochul’s vision, shared by MTA leadership and supported by public officials like Assemblymember Bores, paints a picture of a transit future rooted in safety, accessibility, and rider confidence — one barrier and one station at a time.

The message from state and transit leaders is clear: New York City’s subways are changing for the better, and rider safety will continue to guide these improvements well into the future.