MTA’s LED lighting upgrade to enhance safety across NYC subway system

Credit: Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to convert all 150,000 fluorescent light fixtures in the subway system to energy-efficient LED lighting by mid-2026. The project aims not only to brighten every subway platform and mezzanine but also to significantly bolster safety system-wide while enhancing the overall customer experience.

New York City Transit President Richard Davey said: “It’s simple: a brighter station is a safer station. Transit crews have already upgraded the lighting at every station where we’ve completed a Re-NEW-Vation, and customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The transition to LED lighting will augment visibility for passengers, as well as optimise illumination for the subway’s 15,000 security cameras, further solidifying safety measures within the transit system.

“Increasing safety and enhancing the customer experience in stations remains a top priority for the MTA – by switching over to LED lighting, we are providing a brighter and safer look and feel to station environments for customers and transit workers,” said MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara.

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“We’re delivering on our promise to upgrade and modernise every New York City subway station,” said New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Subways Demetrius Crichlow. “I want to thank the dedicated transit workers who have been diligently installing these new highly efficient LEDs in stations across the system.”

The project, which commenced in late January 2024 at Bergen St, has already seen successful installations at Carroll St and Lafayette Avenue. Officials unveiled the new station lighting at Lafayette Avenue, marking another milestone in the initiative’s progress.

In addition to its safety benefits, the LED lighting upgrade is projected to generate an estimated $5.9 million in annual recurring energy and material cost savings, underscoring the project’s financial prudence alongside its safety enhancements.

The LED lighting initiative aligns with MTA’s broader Re-NEW-Vation project, aimed at station-wide repairs, enhancements and deep cleanings across the subway system. Since its inception, 63 stations have been upgraded, with 53 stations renovated in 2023 alone. MTA remains on track to complete upgrades, repairs and deep cleanings at 13 more subway stations in the first quarter of 2024.