NEW YORK, NY – Young New Yorkers are dying in the revived trend of subway surfing across the city. The act of riding atop a moving subway car has ended with fatal results for several young New Yorkers in the past few years.
Now, Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams are hoping posters and an advertising campaign will put an end to it.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) introduced a new public information initiative focused on curbing the hazardous act of subway surfing among teenagers. The campaign is a joint effort involving multiple city agencies and was crafted by New York City teenagers to speak directly to their peers.
Mayor Adams stressed the significance of involving the youth in the campaign. “Our young people know best how to reach their peers, and they want to help keep their friends safe,” said Adams.
Governor Hochul emphasized the state’s commitment to safety, stating, “Through this innovative partnership, young New Yorkers will hear directly from their teachers and peers about the extreme danger of subway surfing, saving lives and preventing more tragedies.”
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber urged parents and teachers to discuss the deadly risks of subway surfing with young people. “What can seem like a game can end in tragedy,” Lieber warned.
Starting this July, the High School of Art and Design’s recent graduates were enlisted to create campaign materials such as digital posters, animations, and social media strategies. The student-led “Subway Squad” will disseminate their message across various platforms, including trains and stations.
As part of the initiative, the NYPD is increasing its presence at elevated stations and conducting home visits for youths caught subway surfing. So far in 2023, the NYPD has already tripled its enforcement actions against subway surfers compared to 2022. Five fatalities have been attributed to subway surfing this year alone, equaling the total fatalities from 2018 to 2022. Over 450 instances of subway surfing have been documented in the first half of 2023 by the MTA.