MTA looking into plans for air-conditioned subway stations
NEW YORK (WABC) -- The hot summer months can be quite brutal for New York City subway riders. But relief could soon be on the way.
For the first time, the MTA is looking into the possibility of having air-conditioned subway stations.
They say climate change is a big reason in the consideration, noting how summers will only continue to get hotter.
"Extreme heat conditions on the rise and expected to increase further amid the effects of climate change in the next few decades," MTA said in a press release.
During the summer, particularly on days where temperatures reach 90 degrees or greater, subway platforms are often significantly hotter than the street level from train braking, train air conditioning units, and limited station ventilation, officials said.
"The best way to keep riders cool in the hottest weather is frequent service that gets them quickly into fully air-conditioned trains," said NYC Transit President Richard Davey. "Recognizing though that climate change will lead to more days with 90-degree temperatures in the future, exploring our options for cooling platforms makes sense to improve long term customer experience and satisfaction."
Many subway cars are air conditioned, but the MTA says they are soliciting companies interested in providing cost-effective, innovative ways to cool subway stations - particularly on the platforms.
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber pointed out that the plan is not going to happen tomorrow, but it is something they are thinking about.
"We are starting to think," he said.
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