City Council Hearing Discusses Ways To Make Subway System Safer
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The City Council discussed ways of making the subway system safer for commuters in the wake of a string of highly-publicized recent deaths at a meeting Thursday.
At a meeting Thursday, MTA representatives proposed installing infrared sensors and physical barriers between the platform and the track, and adding computer-controlled driving systems to existing trains.
Many, including the Transit Workers Union, have suggested slowing down the trains as a more immediate alternative.
Senior Vice President of Subways Carmen Bianco said that isn't an option.
"It's something that we have looked at. It's just not feasible on our system," Bianco said. "We're not going to get into a situation where we cause unintended consequences to our customers. We really, you know, we know the overcrowding that's going to come. We know it's going to create a shortage of trains, and that's just not something we can do right now."
Fifty-five people were killed by subway trains last year.