MTA installs 4-foot-tall rubber cones to protect subway conductors in Harlem
NEW YORK - Please stand clear of the conductor's window.
The MTA has installed stanchions to protect subway conductors at the 125th Street subway station in Harlem.
Officials hope that the 4-foot rubber poles will prevent attacks on subway conductors.
"If the passengers actually listen and stand back it helps us without everybody in our face when we’re trying to pull out and proceed," an MTA conductor told FOX 5 NY.
(Courtesy: MTA)
However, some passengers aren't sold on the new barriers.
"This is New York who even follows rules anymore?" one passenger said.
MTA Transit SVP Demetrius Crichlow says he hopes that the more well-defined safety zones will allow conductors work without fear of being attacked.
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So far this year, seven MTA employees were assaulted.
Four of those seven incidents involved suspects with at least 50 prior arrests.
"50 strikes seems like a lot of [expletive] strikes. And I have to say, we've got to do something to keep our people safe," said Richard Davey, the President of New York City Transit.
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Just weeks ago, the MTA installed wider bright yellow barriers at the No. 1 subway station located at 191st Street and three other locations, part of a larger pilot program to enhance subway safety by preventing people from falling or being shoved onto the tracks.
"I feel like right now if anyone will be protected in a situation like that, it’s a good idea," another passenger said.
The pilot program will be monitored over the next few months and, once results from the pilot are determined, New York City Transit could decide to install the stanchions in other stations.