Photo: JOHANNES EISELE / AFP / Getty Images
The MTA is taking steps to prevent subway surfing by installing barriers between train cars on the 7 line in New York City. Officials have been testing a prototype since January 2025, and a second version has been designed to meet New York City Transit standards. The installation is expected to be completed in 2026 and is estimated to cost $10 million. If successful, the MTA may consider adding barriers to the J and 6 train lines.
Subway surfing, where individuals ride on the outside of moving trains, has resulted in five fatalities this year, according to the New York Police Department. The most recent incident involved two teenage girls in Brooklyn. The MTA's initiative is part of a broader effort to address the dangerous trend, which has been fueled by social media.
PIX11 reports that the MTA has launched public awareness campaigns, including one featuring rapper Cardi B, to highlight the dangers of subway surfing. Additionally, the NYPD has increased patrols on popular subway surfing routes and used drones to monitor and rescue individuals.
Despite these efforts, the MTA faces challenges in implementing safety measures. Some experts suggest that locking the doors at the ends of subway cars could prevent access to the roofs, but this raises concerns about passenger safety during emergencies. The MTA is also exploring the use of cameras and sensors to detect potential subway surfers.
Valley News Live notes that the MTA has asked social media platforms to remove videos glamorizing subway surfing, with over 1,800 videos taken down in 2025. As the MTA continues to explore solutions, the focus remains on preventing further tragedies and ensuring the safety of all subway riders.
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