In December we witnessed two nightmarish fatalities in US subway stations where bystanders were unwittingly pushed onto the tracks, mere seconds before colliding with an oncoming train. Unfortunately, these stories represent just two of over 150 similar subway deaths since 2011, a morbid statistic that has risen 15% since 2010.
The MTA chose to address this issue by installing cautionary "Be Safe. Be Smart" signs encouraging passengers to stand away from the platform's edge. MTA Chief Jay Lhota explained that he cannot currently afford to install sliding glass doors.
It's time for the Federal Transit Administration to act by funding the installation of sliding glass doors on subway platforms to protect the millions of daily riders from the threat of disturbed individuals in subways.