New York City subway safety options weighed - KMSP-TV

New York City subway safety options weighed

When a New York City subway train comes down the track, weighing some 400 tons and going around 40 miles per hour it is lethal for anyone in the way.

The MTA says some 110 people have died in the last couple of years either by falling, jumping or being pushed in front of oncoming trains.

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, who is running for comptroller, wrote to the MTA requesting the authority investigate and consider platform barriers.

But subway platform barriers would cost $1.5 billion to install in all 468 subway stations, said the cash-strapped MTA.  

NYC transit president Tom Prendergast said the MTA will examine possible ways to make the platforms safer including barriers, but the agency doesn't have a timetable.

The MTA is talking about more assistance stations. If commuters see someone in trouble or who seems dangerous they can call for help. The MTA is also emphasizing using ads to educate customers about staying safe on the subway platforms.

The transit union suggested slowing the trains down, but the MTA said studies indicate some stations would get so crowded while commuters wait for slower trains during morning rush hour more people would be at risk of being pushed off crowded platforms.

One other solution may be motion-detector alarms that go off when commuters get too close to the edge.