New Safety Barriers Introduced on No. 7 Subway Cars
In an effort to reduce subway surfing, anti-surfing barriers have been installed on several No. 7 subway cars. However, some passengers are unsure whether these barriers will effectively deter kids from attempting the risky behavior.
The padded barriers, positioned between the train cars, aim to stop anyone from climbing onto the roofs. Critics argue that they may not be sufficient, suggesting that those intent on surfing might just find other ways to do it.
“When you go to Chuck E. Cheese, it feels like there’s something you can climb on,” joked Giordani Badetu, a 28-year-old from Queens.
Bea Milligan, a 53-year-old Manhattan resident, feels the barrier is inadequate. “We should put metal spikes on top of it, like what you do with birds,” she suggested.
Trish, a 50-year-old mother from Brooklyn, shared her perspective: “Kids always want to fit in. They want to make a good impression. If you try to put up guardrails to prevent that, kids will find other ways.”
Joseph Cookman, a nurse from Queens, echoed the sentiment, stating that if kids want to surf, “they’ll find a way to do it.” Yet he acknowledged that any effort, however small, could be a step in the right direction.
During a recent board meeting, Demetrius Crichlow, the president of the New York City Transit Authority, mentioned that the pilot project began with two vehicles over a year ago. The plan is to expand this initiative to all Line 7 cars by the end of 2026, at a cost of around $10 million.
“Surfing is suicidal,” Crichlow remarked, emphasizing that this issue requires a collaborative approach involving urban parents, educators, and the community.
The implementation of these barriers comes as subway surfing incidents have seen a significant increase in New York City. So far in 2025, five fatalities and four injuries have been linked to the activity, including the tragic deaths of two young girls, aged 12 and 13, near the Marcy Avenue station.
Statistics from previous years show a worrying trend: six deaths in 2024 and five in 2023 attributed to subway surfing accidents.
The NYPD is actively using drone technology to monitor and apprehend individuals engaging in subway surfing. As of October 5, they’ve deployed 183 drones and arrested 131 people for related offenses.
In addition to the barriers, the MTA is keeping an eye on social media posts regarding subway surfing and promoting campaigns like “Ride Inside, Stay Alive,” which features celebrity endorsements, including Cardi B.
While Badetu remains skeptical about the effectiveness of the barriers, he does appreciate the government’s effort to tackle the problem. “We don’t know how durable they are or how protective they really are,” he noted, “but at least they’re trying to address the issue. Advertising is one thing, but actual prevention is another.”
Potential future implementations of similar barriers may extend to the J and 6 subway lines, according to MTA announcements.
“We’ve made a lot of adjustments to the actual equipment and done extensive testing,” Crichlow said regarding the pilot project. “The MTA is doing our part.”
