Platform Barrier Pilot Program to Include Three Additional Stations
View Videos of Platform Barriers at 191 St Station From the Platform and From a Train
See Photos of Platform Barriers at 191 St Station
Update: As of early February Morgan Avreplaced West 8 St - NY Aquariumto be included in the program
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that MTA New York City Transit has installed barriers at the edge of the platform at the 191 St Station as part of a platform safety pilot program. The 191 St Station is the first of four stations (West 8 St - NY Aquarium Station, Clark St Station, and a fourth station that is to be determined) to install these barriers. New York City Transit will study this program to determine if the concept could be scaled up.
This pilot program is part of a larger effort by New York City Transit to advance safety by preventing intrusion onto the tracks, which was the focus of the track trespassing task force which was released a report on track intrusion and potential solutions 20 months ago. New York City Transit last year deployed safety barriers in the center of platforms at three stations and is monitoring for effectiveness.
“This is about finding creative ways to improve safety,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “A hearty pat on the back to New York City Transit professionals who found a practical way to jump-start the feeling -- and reality -- of safety in the subway system. It’s still in an experimental phase, and we will be watching carefully to determine if the barriers are effective at deterring track intrusions without interfering with passenger circulation. If they pass the test, we will be ready to deploy widely.”
“Safety in the subway system is something that customers consistently cite as a core driver of their satisfaction and is a top priority for us at New York City Transit,” said New York City Transit President Richard Davey. “This pilot program will help us determine the most effective ways to keep subway customers safe and focused on getting to their destination, while also addressing track intrusion. I thank the New York City Transit engineers and workers who designed and installed the barriers.”
The barriers are strategically located on the platform edge, adjacent to the tactile warning strip at locations that avoid obstructing car doors as they open to allow customers to enter and exit the train. Installation was completed on the uptown platform during the evening of Friday, Jan. 19, and the downtown platform during the evening of Saturday, Jan 20. The effort is funded with existing maintenance resources using in-house labor and materials.
“It’s critical that we find ways to reduce the number of riders who fall or are pushed onto subway tracks,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “So I applaud the MTA for this pilot, which is a relatively quick and easy way to add protection on the platform. I am excited to hear feedback from riders at 191st Street on how the railings work in practice.”
“This is a terrific move by the MTA to increase passenger safety as well as perception of safety,” said Gridlock Sam Schwartz, Longtime Transportation Engineer. “You could be sure I will be standing behind these barriers where ever they are provided.”
“We applaud the ingenuity of the subways team for designing these barriers to help prevent track intrusions and keep people on platforms safer,” said Lisa Daglian, Executive Director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC). “This in-house approach is a good low-cost, low-tech first step solution, and we look forward to more of these kinds of efforts to help riders feel – and be – safer underground.”