The MTA boss has issued a stern call to parents, emphasizing the need to "take control" of the dangerous subway surfing trend. According to NYPD data, six tragic deaths have occurred due to this activity, and related arrests have surged to 181 this year, up from 118 in 2023. This alarming situation has prompted the MTA to take action and point the finger at parents for their role in curbing this dangerous behavior. MTA's Battle Against Subway Surfing and the Call for Parental Responsibility
Subway Surfing: A Deadly Trend
New York City kids are engaging in boneheaded "Spider-Man" stunts and acrobatics on top of subway trains, putting their lives at risk. Six people have already lost their lives, and the numbers continue to rise. The MTA has made some efforts to combat this foolhardy activity, such as the subway announcements voiced by New York City students urging passengers to "ride inside" to "stay alive." However, these efforts seem to be insufficient in curbing the problem.Surveillance teams using drones have been collecting evidence as part of the NYPD's ramped-up enforcement to monitor stations popular with subway surfers. This evidence shows that offenders are not only standing on top of moving trains but also performing acrobatics and jumping around. The 7 train, which runs above ground in Queens with the backdrop of the city, has become a hotbed of activity as offenders seek scenic backdrops to make their content go viral.The MTA's Initiatives and Challenges
The MTA has been active in addressing the subway surfing issue, but it still struggles to find long-term solutions. The agency has pushed social media companies to remove subway surfing videos, as their viral nature is blamed for the surge in popularity. However, an agency spokesperson couldn't provide specific numbers on how many clips have actually been taken down.Transit Bureau Chief Joseph Gulotta revealed during a hearing with lawmakers that kids are not just standing on top of moving trains but are also performing acrobatics. This highlights the need for more comprehensive solutions to address this problem.MTA officials have argued that there isn't a "one stop fix" for the close to 7,000 fleet of trains running through NYC. They have to consider the safety of riders and employees who maintain the subway cars. Franck Joseph, chief of staff and organizational strategy, emphasized the need to find solutions that take into account multiple car classes.Parents' Responsibility and the Need for Action
Norma Nazario, whose 15-year-old son Zackery died in 2023 while subway surfing, blasted the MTA during a tear-filled testimony. She pointed out that young people have complete access to unlocked doors and other access points without alarms or other systems to keep them out. She added that it is the MTA's responsibility to make things right.City Council Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers emphasized the need for structural solutions. She said that inaction is not an option and that the MTA needs to take concrete steps to address this issue.The MTA boss, Janno Leiber, couldn't discuss specifics of any structural solutions due to pending litigation. But he reiterated the importance of parents taking control and making sure their kids don't engage in this dangerous behavior.In conclusion, the subway surfing problem in New York City is a serious one that requires the combined efforts of the MTA, social media companies, and parents. Only by working together can we hope to prevent more tragic deaths and keep our subway riders safe.
