MTA Boosts Suicide Prevention Efforts on Subway System

New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is testing a new method designed to deter suicide attempts at subway stations, reports Jose Martinez in an article for The City. “An MTA spokesperson confirmed an internal Department of Subways bulletin obtained by THE CITY that details how the MTA is introducing blue lighting inside stations that have been plagued by a high number of incidents of people going into the path of trains.”

The Track Intrusion Blue Lights pilot program will test the lighting at three unnamed stations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. According to the bulletin, “Studies have shown that blue lighting provides a ‘nudge’ technique that is calming and may prevent customers from jumping and/or trespassing on the right of way.” This evidence come in part from Japan, where one study reported an 84 percent decrease in suicides over ten years at platforms with blue lighting installed.

Officials and experts acknowledge suicide prevention on transit is much more complex, but that the blue lights are one inexpensive, easily deployed tool. “Others options being looked at include using video analytics technology to send out alerts upon detecting via live security camera footage “dangerous behaviors that could lead to track intrusions,” placing front-facing cameras on trains, and installing track-intrusion detectors that alert train crews and the rail control center when a person or object enters the tracks.”