The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit (NYCT) launched a public service announcement (PSA) last week that it hopes will stop unsafe behavior: walking or riding between subway cars.
NYCT says the PSA continues to be in development following seven deaths on its system in 2018, four in December alone. Five people died during such activity in 2017 and in 2016.
Digital displays in stations began to air a simple and direct message: "3 people have died this month walking between moving subway cars. Don’t take the risk. Please ride safely.”
NYCT said the PSA was later updated to note four people had died following an incident on Dec. 29. As of Jan. 2, the displays will air a message that begins, "7 people died in 2018..."
NYCT also began an announcement in subway cars this week says: “Hello everyone. It’s against the rules and very dangerous to ride or walk between train cars, unless it’s an emergency, or if you’re directed by a police officer or MTA crew member. Have a safe day, and thank you for riding with us.”
Additionally, transit officials are working on in-car signage to reinforce and amplify the message that stepping between subway cars without official supervision is dangerous. Existing signage already notes that the act is prohibited.
“Riding or walking between subway cars without supervision is dangerous and can cost a person their life,” NYCT President Andy Byford said in a statement. “It’s not worth it and we’re urging our customers not to do it.”
NYCT notes that in addition to the loss of life, the first responder investigation and recovery work associated with these fatalities – during which power needs to be cut from the tracks – can also cause significant train delays and crowding conditions on platforms. NYCT says there were approximately 500 delays in 2018 recorded as being caused by a person killed while between moving train cars, including about 190 delays from one incident alone, in which a person died on Dec. 21 while walking between cars on the 2 line near 110 St.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
