In an attempt to shed new light on public safety, the MTA announced plans to bring brighter LED lighting to every subway station across the system.
The transit agency said the plan is to convert all 150,000 fluorescent light fixtures across the subway system by the middle of 2026.
“By upgrading the lighting at each of our 472 subway stations, we are not only making our stations brighter and safer for customers but also reducing our costs and emissions," New York City Transit President Richard Davey said in a statement Tuesday. "It's simple: a brighter station is a safer station.”
The MTA said the new light fixtures will also enhance illumination for the 15,000 security cameras in the subway system.
The project is already underway, according to MTA officials. In late January, LED lights were installed at Bergen St, followed by Carroll St, and most recently at Lafayette Ave.
Senior Vice President of Subways Demetrius Crichlow said during a news conference Tuesday that straphangers will immediately notice a change.
“Your platforms mezzanines and staircases will now be lighter and brighter, and that will give the sense of comfort that the system is more safe,” Crichlow said.
The MTA said the decision to upgrade the bulbs will save the transit agency approximately $5.9 million in annual energy and material costs per year.