New York City plans to install security cameras in every subway car

The world’s largest subway system might soon be getting more surveillance cameras. Governor Kathy Hochul and the MTA announced that the city would install two security cameras inside each subway car.

According to Gov. Hochul, enhanced surveillance would improve the safety of riders. This measure follows a mass shooting on the subway station in Brooklyn, which took place in April, and an amplified fear among New Yorkers who are using the transit system. By 2025, nearly 13,000 cameras will be installed in more than 6,000 train cars. 

"...Those who commit crimes in the transit system will be identified and brought to justice,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “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."

The surveillance program has already installed 200 security cameras, and more will follow. The MTA hopes additional cameras will lure New Yorkers back into the transit system. Currently, the subway ridership is stuck at 60 percent of pre-pandemic levels. However, as the New York Times reported, the number of crimes that took place within the subway system has been the same as in 2019, even though the daily ridership has significantly decreased. 

The decision to install security cameras faced resistance from privacy advocates. The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.) has released a statement saying that increased surveillance will put New Yorkers at risk. 

“New Yorkers want safety, not surveillance,” said Albert Fox Cahn, the executive director of S.T.O.P. "As the Governor admitted, subway crime is down this summer, not up. Big brother’s spying never prevented crime before, and it won’t start now. This tech has failed us too many times to count.”

Resources:

“Governor Hochul Announces MTA to Install Security Cameras in Every New York City Subway Car,” (Governor Kathy Hochul, 2022)

“MTA to install security cameras in every subway car,” by Aaron Ginsburg (6sqft, 2022)

“New York to install surveillance cameras in every subway car,” by Kevin Collier (NBC News, 2022)

“New York City Subway System to Install Security Cameras in Train Cars,” by Ana Ley (The New York Times, 2022)

“Along a Subway Line’s 31 Miles, Nagging Crime Fears Test Riders’ Resolve,” by Ali Watkins (The New York Times, 2022)

“​​S.T.O.P. Condemns Hochul’s ‘Big Brother’ Subway Surveillance Plan,” by Executive Director Albert Fox Cahn (S.T.O.P., 2022)