Danger on the Tracks: NYC Grapples with a Deadly Trend
A risky trend endangering young lives has taken hold of New York City’s subway system. In recent months, the dangerous practice of subway surfing, or riding on the roofs or exterior of trains, has steadily increased, resulting in tragic consequences.
Fears are mounting about the potentially deadly consequences. In 2024 alone, six people have lost their lives as part of this trend, most of them teenagers. Authorities are concerned not only about the people surfing trains but also about bystanders.
“This is clearly a rise in activity, a dangerous activity, that’s troubling us,” said Michael Kemper, safety director for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). “It’s not a new phenomenon, but we’ve definitely seen a spike in the numbers, in the videos that are now circulating on social media.”
Visible online platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are commonly used by participants sharing these dangerous escapades. The MTA is working diligently with these platforms to remove content promoting illegal behavior, flagging more than 10,000 posts.
“The Chief, and particularly the Mayor, sounded the alarm on this, and provided me with directions to make’s while indictments further prosecuting those who engage in these disrespectful and dangerous activities,” said NYPD Traffic Chief Joseph Gulotta. “We see this content as the top driver of this behavior. The desire to capture and share swaggering, risky content on social media platforms is a recent phenomenon over the last few decades.”
Of the numerous arrested for this activity, the average age is 14, while the youngest arrested was just nine years old. Authorities are urgently appealing to teenagers to stop this dangerous activity that can have extremely serious consequences, risking their lives and legal trouble.
The NYPD is taking a multi-pronged approach to address this issue, including home visits to parents whose children have been caught. Chief Gulotta explained, “When we talk to these parents and show them the periphery, we show them the dangers of this. They really realize the seriousness and impact, the potential for death, dismemberment, and serious injury. Avoiding arrest comes in front!”
Drone Technology is being used to monitor potential hotspots for this activity, especially in summer months when school is out, indicating a link between vacations and an increase.
These measures are targeted at reaching parents and making them aware of this dangerous trend.
Concerns about this growing phenomenon are reaching the highest levels of city government. The Municipal council recently held hearings to investigate the trend and develop solutions, emphasizing the need to keep young people safe. Queens councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers, chair of the transportation and infrastructure committee, highlighted the urgency of the situation stating, “We are here to investigate the root causes of this and discuss solutions,”
One underlying factor officials are looming into the dangers coincides with the popularity of the 7 train, which often appears in videos. MTA officials believe its visibility, elevated track system, and aesthetically unique design make it appealing to engage.
“This is sometimes referred to as the ‘7 Train Challenge.'”
Lifting public awareness is another crucial part of the city’s response. The campaign “Subway Surfing Kills: Ride Inside, Stay Alive,” is aimed directly at parents and calls upon them to be more engaged.
“We believe there is no better partner in combating subway surfing than involved parents,” said one official, emphasizing the importance of responsive intervention.
Addressing root causes
While enforcement and parental involvement are crucial, the city’s Ombudsman, Jumaane Williams
What are the specific strategies being used by the MTA and NYPD to deter subway surfing?
## Danger on the Tracks: NYC Grapples with a Deadly Trend
**Intro**
Welcome back to the show. Tonight, we’re diving into a disturbing trend gripping New York City. Subway surfing, the dangerous act of riding on exteriors of subway trains, is on the rise, putting young lives at risk. Joining us to discuss this issue is MTA Chief Safety Officer, Patrick Warren.
**Interview**
**Host:** Thank you for joining us, Chief Warren. This trend seems to be escalating alarmingly. What’s being done to address this crisis?
**Patrick Warren:** Thank you for having me. You’re right, it’s incredibly worrisome. We’ve seen a surge in subway surfing incidents, particularly amongst young people, and tragically, six lives have been lost already this year. [[1](https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-mta-and-mayor-adams-unveil-comprehensive-campaign-combat-subway-surfing)]
We’re taking a multi-pronged approach. We’re working with social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat to remove dangerous content that glorifies subway surfing and collaborating with the NYPD to increase patrols and enforce the law. We also need to engage with parents and educators to make young people understand the severe risks involved. It’s not worth a few likes on social media.
**Host:** It’s disturbing to see how prevalent these videos are online. What role do you think social media plays in fueling this trend?
**Patrick Warren:** Social media plays a significant role, unfortunately. It provides a platform for these dangerous acts to be shared and glorified. It’s that “likes and views” mentality combined with peer pressure that drives some young people to take these risks.
We’re encouraging social media platforms to take responsibility and actively remove this content. We’ve already flagged over 10,000 posts, and we’ll continue working to get this harmful content off the internet.
**Host:** What message do you have for young people considering trying this?
**Patrick Warren:** My message is simple: Don’t risk your life for a thrill. Subway surfing is incredibly dangerous. There’s absolutely no room for error. A fleeting moment of excitement could cost you your life. We urge parents, educators, and community leaders to talk to young people about the real dangers of this trend.
**Host:** This is a serious issue, and clearly, it requires a multifaceted approach. Thank you, Chief Warren, for sharing your insights and highlighting the dangers of subway surfing.
**Outro**
We hope this conversation has shed light on the seriousness of this growing problem. We urge everyone to spread awareness and discourage this dangerous trend.
