New Public Campaign Aims to Deter Dangerous Subway Surfing Among Young New Yorkers

What to Know

State and city officials announced a new public campaign aimed at discouraging young New Yorkers from the challenge of subway surfing, a dangerous behavior that has caused several teen deaths. Data shows that subway surfing (the practice of riding off the subway) takes place predominantly during the warmer school months in the afternoon, making it a popular, if dangerous, after-school activity. So far this year, there have been 88 arrests, up from 30. from last year, an increase of 193%. In addition, there have been five deaths from possible surfing on the subway. This number is a huge jump compared to the total of five deaths between 2018 and 2022.

NEW YORK — State and city officials announced a new public campaign aimed at discouraging young New Yorkers from the challenge of subway surfing, a dangerous behavior that has caused several teen deaths.

Governor Kathy Hochul, the MTA and New York City Mayor Eric Adams unveiled the comprehensive campaign today Tuesday.

“The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority,” Hochul said. “Through this innovative partnership, young New Yorkers will hear directly from their teachers and peers about the extreme danger of riding the subway, saving lives and preventing further tragedies. New York will continue to do everything possible to keep our youth safe on the subway.”

Part of the “Subway Surfing Kills – Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign involves the New York City Police deploying officers to stations on elevated lines and make home visits to youth who have been observed traveling outside of trains.

Data shows that subway surfing (the practice of riding off subway trains) takes place predominantly during the warmer school months in the afternoon, showing it to be a popular, albeit dangerous, after-school activity.

“Every subway surfing death tragically deprives young New Yorkers of a bright future. We cannot bear another tragedy on our trains. That’s why we partnered with the MTA on an innovative campaign to raise awareness and have enlisted real social media experts to help lead it: young New Yorkers,” Adams said.

The multi-platform campaign includes bilingual (English and Spanish) public service announcements “on stations recorded by students; digital signage on stations; graphics and animations created by students; banners and banners on stations and distributed in schools; cards physical tote bags distributed in schools and at stations; school supplies including planners, pens and pencils, notepads, and sticky notes; social media posts on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube in the form of posts, reels/shorts, and people collaborations influencers; distribution of MetroCards to new students accompanied by a clutch card reading “Ride Inside, Stay Alive” and anti-navigation messages on the back of some MetroCards for sale in vending machines from MetroCard stations,” the state announced.

Despite recent warnings from the police, surfing on the subway has skyrocketed in recent years. The MTA has documented more than 450 cases between January and June 2023. So far this year, there have been 88 arrests, up from 30 last year, an increase of 193%. In addition, there have been five deaths from possible surfing on the subway. This number is a huge jump compared to the total of five deaths between 2018 and 2022.

“Riding out of a train car is stupid on the subway and it never ends well,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber. “We are urging parents to talk to their children and teachers to talk to their students about what may seem like a game, but can end in tragedy.”

2023-09-05 20:16:32
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