MTA unveils ambitious plan to illuminate subway system with LED lighting by 2026

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced plans to replace all 150,000 fluorescent light fixtures in the subway system with LED lighting by mid-2026. This initiative aims to enhance safety and elevate the overall customer experience by introducing brighter lighting to each subway platform and mezzanine. Officials emphasize that the installation of new light fixtures will not only improve visibility for security cameras but also contribute to a safer transit system on a broader scale.

New York City Transit President Richard Davey stated, “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 costs and emissions. A brighter station is a safer station. Transit crews have already upgraded lighting at stations where we’ve completed a Re-NEW-Vation, and customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Soon, these benefits to the customer experience will be felt systemwide as we supercharge LED deployments in 2024.”

The project commenced in late January at the Bergen Street station, followed by Carroll Street and most recently, Lafayette Avenue. During a press conference at the Lafayette Avenue C train station, New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Subways Demetrius Crichlow described it as “a special day” for the agency. Crichlow added, “We’re delivering on our promise to upgrade and modernize every New York City subway station. I want to thank the dedicated transit workers who have been diligently installing these new highly efficient LEDs in stations across the system, which will make our system even safer for customers and more sustainable.”