'Big Brother' - 2 security cameras to be installed on every NYC subway train

Cameras in subway cars

The MTA plans to install two cameras on each of the New York City Transit subway cars by 2025.

NEW YORK - The MTA plans to install security cameras on every New York City subway car.

Admitting it is "big brother," Gov. Kathy Hochul says the transit agency has received a $2 million federal grant to pay for the installation.

The funding will enable the purchase of 5,400 cameras to install two cameras on all 2,700 New York City Transit subway cars.

The program will fund approximately 3,800 cameras expanding coverage in approximately 130 subway stations.

"If you think Big Brother is watching you on the subways? You are absolutely right. That's our intent," Hochul said at an event announcing the cameras. "That is going to give people great peace of mind. If you're concerned about this, the best answer is don't commit any crime on the subways."

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Sample video from subway car security camera

The MTA intends to install security cameras in every subway car. The agency released this sample video footage from a subway car showing MTA CEO Janno Lieber showing Gov. Kathy Hochul the inside of the subway car.

The governor was asked if she could assure riders that facial recognition would not be deployed or that data would not be shared with tech companies or China. She did not answer directly, simply says that the cameras are all about safety.

The subway system already has a network of more than 10,000 cameras across all 472 subway stations.

The cameras will be installed in 200 train cars a month until the entire subway car fleet is camera-equipped. That is not expected to happen until 2025.

Subway crime remains a top concern among transit customers.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, "As I've said many times before, those who commit crimes in the transit system will be identified and brought to justice."

All Metro-North trains are equipped with cameras, and more than 90% of Long Island Rail Road trains are equipped with security cameras.

"This is all part of our overall recovery as we're going forth. I know that the last two years have been extremely difficult. We're cognizant of that," Hochul said. "And we're doing everything we can to use the tools, the resources, and the technologies that'll change people's experiences, start changing their anxiety about safety on our subways."