Congestion Pricing has come to town (or has it?), and the MTA may now benefit from a large and consistent source of income to fund improvements. The stated plan is to capitalize on this new income stream, issue bonds, and fix some of the derelict technologies the system runs on. But for straphangers, the subway’s challenges remain, chief among them the pervasive perception of safety concerns that has driven ridership down. While fear continues to shape public opinion, fueled in recent months by spectacular misdeeds, we propose that this is the ideal moment to explore innovative solutions that will revitalize the subway, making it a place where people want to be, not just a place they need to be. Our priority? A subway system that feels safe—clean, vibrant, and welcoming—through the implementation of public-private partnerships modeled on New York’s history of urban renewal. We have an opportunity to reimagine the subway system through a different lens—one that prioritizes cleanliness, maintenance, and the overall experience of riders.

The Perception vs. Reality of Subway Safety

Despite statistics showing that the subway is generally safe, the public’s perception tells a different story. The fear is real even if it isn’t always justified by the numbers. The extra police and security measures introduced by Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams are unlikely to resolve this issue fully. Similarly, the MTA’s efforts to improve lighting, while helpful, are only one small part of a long-term fix. The subway looks bad.

The gap between perceived and actual safety is not unique to the subway; it reflects a broader trend in American society, where anxieties often outpace the reality of our environments. This discrepancy raises a crucial question: how can we change public perceptions? How can we make the subway feel as secure as it statistically is?

A New York Times article from May 2024, “Citing Safety, New York Moves Mentally Ill People Out of the Subway,”, underscores this theme, linking public fear to highly publicized crimes. While efforts to remove individuals displaying erratic or dangerous behavior from the subway are necessary, they alone cannot shift the public’s mindset. The issue extends beyond policing; it’s about transforming the overall environment.

The Case for a Cleaner Subway

To truly change perceptions, we must start with the basics: cleanliness. Cleanliness is not just about aesthetics; it’s a signal that the system is cared for, that someone is in charge, and that it’s a space where people can feel comfortable and secure. This is one of the lessons of New York’s turnaround in the late seventies and early eighties: overcoming the litter and decay of the streets was critical to the city’s turnaround. The subway stations and cars need to be immaculately clean—not just cleaner than they are now, but Tokyo-level clean. Imagine a system so spotless, so well-maintained, that stepping out onto the street feels like a downgrade.

Currently, no station in the MTA’s system meets this standard. Even the newly constructed stations on the Upper East Side under Second Avenue fail to maintain the level of cleanliness needed to create a truly welcoming environment. Achieving this level of care will require significant changes, but it is possible. We propose that the MTA partner with mission-driven external not-for-profit organizations to manage station maintenance, such as Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Conservancies have successfully done for New York’s parks and streets since the 1980s.

Reimagining the Subway Station

Entering the Station

The transformation should begin at the entrance. Subway entrances should be clean, well-lit, and inviting—freshly painted with spotless stairs, railings, walls, and ceilings. The impact of this first impression cannot be overstated. A clean, well-maintained entrance sends a powerful message that the system is cared for and that using it will be a positive experience.

Consider Bryant Park’s restrooms, managed by the Bryant Park Corporation. Once dreaded by park-goers, these restrooms were transformed into pleasant, even charming, spaces with fresh flowers and bright lobbies. The result? Visitors felt that their experience was valued, and their expectations were exceeded. The same principle applies to subway stations: visual cues matter, and they start at the entrance. This type of improvement paved the way for a complete rejuvenation of Midtown.

Photo from the Metropolitan Transit Authority

Inside the Station

Between the entrance and the platform lies a transitional space where riders encounter maps, station employees, and occasionally, police conducting bag checks. These areas are often overlooked in maintenance efforts, but they are critical to the overall experience. Just as entrances need to be spotless, these interstitial spaces should be immaculate, with clean tiles, buffed floors, visible staff, and continuous litter removal.

The presence of maintenance staff during peak hours is crucial. It reinforces the message that the subway is being taken care of and that the MTA cares about its riders. The outdated and unwelcoming design of information booths also needs a revamp. These booths, with their bulletproof glass and poor acoustics, should be replaced with open-air kiosks staffed by friendly, articulate MTA employees. These kiosks could also serve as information hubs for the neighborhood, promoting local businesses, cultural institutions, and services.

On the Platform

The platform is where riders spend the most time, and it’s often the most neglected part of the station. Here, the challenges of cleanliness are compounded by the tight space, complex signage, and proximity to the tracks. Yet, this is where the fear is most palpable. A clean, well- maintained platform can do more to alleviate anxiety than any number of police officers or security cameras.

This means signs need to be cleaned regularly, broken glass on ad units replaced, columns scrubbed, floors swept, and tiles repaired. Garbage cans should be emptied as often as necessary, and any maintenance issues—leaks, graffiti, or peeling paint—should be addressed promptly. The goal is not just to maintain the platform but to create a space where riders feel comfortable and safe.

A New Model for Subway Maintenance

Achieving this level of cleanliness and maintenance requires more than just additional funding; it requires a new approach to managing the subway system. The MTA should look to form partnerships with local organizations, such as BIDs, to manage station maintenance. These groups are already responsible for maintaining the streets and public spaces around subway entrances, so it makes sense for them to extend their efforts into the stations themselves.

For smaller stations, BIDs could take on the responsibility of maintaining entrances, exits, and interstitial spaces, ensuring that they are as clean and inviting as the streets above. For larger stations, like Grand Central, Times Square, and Penn Station, a more robust solution is needed. These stations require a dedicated, round-the-clock maintenance team, similar to those that manage modern airports or train stations in cities like Tokyo and Singapore.

The conservancy model, which has been so successful in maintaining New York’s parks, could be adapted for these major subway hubs. A dedicated conservancy for each large station would be responsible for daily maintenance, long-term improvements, and programming. This model would not only ensure that the stations are clean and well-maintained but also that they are vibrant, engaging spaces that reflect the character of the surrounding neighborhood.

The Station as a Neighborhood Hub

A well-maintained subway station can do more than just improve the rider experience; it can also serve as a gateway to the surrounding neighborhood. By partnering with local organizations, the MTA can turn stations into hubs of activity, with programming, retail opportunities, and information about local attractions.

Imagine a station where you can find helpful signage, brochures for nearby attractions or museums, information about upcoming events in the neighborhood, and even a small market featuring local vendors. These activities not only make the station more inviting but also strengthen the connection between the subway and the community it serves.

This approach has the potential to create a positive feedback loop: a cleaner, more vibrant station attracts more riders, which in turn supports the businesses and organizations that partner with the MTA. Over time, this could lead to a more engaged public, a stronger sense of community, and a subway system that is seen as a valuable part of the city’s fabric, rather than just a means of getting from point A to point B.

Getting Started: A Pilot Program

The path to a cleaner, more welcoming subway system begins with a pilot program. We propose starting with two or three stations, chosen for their potential impact and the willingness of local partners to get involved. The goal is to demonstrate that it is possible to clean a station to the level we’re advocating—a level of cleanliness that doesn’t currently exist in the system.

These stations would be transformed into models of what the entire system could look like: polished, power-washed floors free of gum and dirt; clean, painted ceilings; bright LED lighting; clean signs; no cracked tiles or graffiti; freshly painted columns; and visible, uniformed staff at all hours of the day. The pilot would also include a redesigned customer service kiosk, offering a more welcoming and informative experience, and varied neighborhood-centric use of interstitial spaces.

Conclusion: A Subway System New Yorkers Can Be Proud Of

In the end, the goal is simple: to make the subway feel as safe, clean, and welcoming as it actually is. Yes, there will still be incidents on the subway, and they will continue to be publicized. But by transforming the environment, we can change how people feel about it. Ultimately, improving the cleanliness and maintenance of the subway is not just about making it safer—it's about making it a space that enhances the daily lives of New Yorkers. By focusing on the physical environment of the subway, we can transform it from a place people endure into a place they enjoy. The time is right for the MTA to look beyond traditional solutions and embrace a new vision for the future of New York’s subway.