Elcock, a subway operator, believes that locking the doors at the ends of subway cars could prevent subway surfing, like in the case of Ka’Von who tragically died while riding on the roof of the train. The MTA is exploring ways to prevent subway surfing, such as locking doors between cars, but some New Yorkers are concerned about the potential risks and limitations of this solution. The MTA has ruled out other physical interventions, such as building barriers or covers over the gaps between train cars, as they might hinder emergency situations or maintenance work on the trains. The agency has also asked social media companies to remove videos glamorizing subway surfing and has promoted public service announcements to deter people from engaging in this dangerous activity.
The NYPD has reported an increase in arrests of alleged subway surfers, mostly boys around the age of 14. Retrofitting trains to prevent roof access is seen as expensive, and alternative solutions such as installing cameras or physical sensors have been suggested. Some cities, like Hong Kong and Dubai, have designed trains that are not easily climbable to discourage such behavior. Extreme tactics, such as hanging metal flails or spraying offenders with paint, have been used in other countries to deter subway surfing. The MTA has acquired new subway cars that lack outdoor gaps exploited by subway surfers, but they are only a small portion of the trains in service and will not be deployed on popular surfing routes anytime soon.
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