NYC Transit Empowers Riders to Help Save Lives
NYC Transit urges riders to use crew call buttons to report subway surfing incidents
NYC Transit Warns Riders on Subway Surfing Danger
NYC Transit is urging riders to help stop subway surfing after issuing a safety warning Tuesday. The dangerous practice of riding on top of or outside moving trains continues to threaten lives across the system, transit officials said. Passengers who witness someone attempting to subway surf should press the red crew call button inside subway cars to alert train operators immediately.
Ongoing Safety Campaign Addresses Deadly Trend
The September 17 alert continues NYC Transit's ongoing efforts to combat subway surfing, which has resulted in multiple deaths and serious injuries in recent years. The dangerous activity has become increasingly visible among teenagers and young adults, often fueled by social media challenges, according to the transit agency. Officials didn't provide specific statistics on 2025 incidents, though the practice remains a persistent safety concern. The MTA launched comprehensive prevention campaigns throughout 2024 including social media outreach and school partnerships to address the trend.
How Passengers Can Help Prevent Incidents
The red crew call button system allows passengers to directly alert train operators to emergencies including people on tracks or outside trains. Transit officials emphasized that quick passenger action can save lives by enabling crews to stop trains and notify authorities. The button is located inside all subway cars and provides immediate communication with the train operator. Officials said passenger vigilance is crucial to preventing tragic accidents, though they didn't specify whether Tuesday's warning responded to a recent incident or was part of routine safety messaging.
