NYC MTA to install security cameras on subway car fleet

NEW YORK – This week New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the Metropolitan Transit Authority New York City Transit would be installing security cameras in new subway cars and its existing subway car fleet.

The NYC MTA received a $2 million award from the Urban Area Security Initiative federal program that will fund the installation of 5,400 cameras on 2,700 subway cars (two per car). These cameras supplement the existing 10,00 cameras across 472 subway stations and a pilot program that had 200 cameras in 100 different subway cars.

 "My number one priority as Governor is keeping New Yorkers safe," Governor Hochul said. "I am proud that we will be installing cameras on all Subway cars - expanding our security capabilities, deterring crime, and providing our law enforcement with support. As we continue welcoming riders back to the transit system, we will continue doing everything in our power to keep riders safe."

The announcement comes following a rise in crime on public transit in the city. So far in 2022 there’s been 1488 reported transit crimes, up from 998 this time last year. The governor also signed legislation earlier this year in hopes to protect the city’s roughly 11,000 transit workers from assault and harassment.

"As I've said many times before, those who commit crimes in the transit system will be identified and brought to justice,” MTA Chair and CEO, Janno Lieber, said. “Riders should know we've got their back for their entire journey and this significant upgrade - made possible by new dollars from Governor Hochul - is a great step towards reinforcing New Yorkers' confidence in mass transit safety."

Not everyone is happy with the new security measures, however. Civil rights groups including the New York branch of the ACLU have decried the camera installation. “New York City is already home to tens of thousands surveillance cameras and there’s no evidence this massive expansion of subway cameras will improve safety.” wrote privacy and technology strategist Daniel Schwarz. "Living in a sweeping surveillance state shouldn’t be the price we pay to be safe. Real public safety comes from investing in our communities, not from omnipresent government surveillance."

With additional funding from the Subway Action Plan totaling $3.5 million that will enable the purchase of 7,310 cameras on 3,655 cars, which brings the funding for the program to $5.5 million to outfit the fleet. The cars are expected to be full equipped with their cameras by 2025.

“Cameras are an extremely effective tool in solving investigations and in deterring crime,” MTA Chief Safety and Security Officer Patrick Warren said. “Public and employee security and safety are priorities at the MTA and we consistently work towards implementing and improving measures that support these priorities. This grant is an important step forward supporting our safety and security efforts."

The full release from the Governors Office can be found at www.governor.ny.gov.