There have been accidents of people being killed by stepping onto subway tracks. New York had 53 fatalities out of 6 million riders, but people were still paranoid because nothing is being done to change the safety of subways. When new technology comes out that would make riding a subway safer, it isn't applied because of the cost.
Because data shows that subways are pretty safe, the need to install new platform doors to decrease the number of casualties is rendered unnecessary. A transportation and traffic engineering expert says that, "We should be able to solve some of the problems we have in the subway system."
Analysis
When new modes of transportation were first being invented, there wasn't great technology, so it was dangerous to use them. But as time went on, transportation grew to be safer for people to use in order to travel over long distances. With subways, they are safe, but technology is always improving.
In addition to people unintentionally stepping off of subway platforms, there have been various incidents in which one has been pushed onto the tracks. I do agree that there are many things that can be done to prevent situations like this from occurring, such as installing new platform doors. New York just needs to receive the funds necessary to do so.
ReplyDeleteIt is somewhat shocking to hear that New York has not done anything about this yet. As Nina said, funds are a factor, but the question is, is that the main factor? Maybe because there are so many people riding and that number is far greater than the casualties, New York transportation heads haven't deemed it necessary to improve on the safety of the subway.
ReplyDelete53 casualties is no number to turn a blind eye to. I'm thoroughly shocked that New York has yet to implement any safety devices. The fact that funds are the reason they don't implement them is ridiculous, for human lives are not collateral damage.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Froy. I know this is a far-fetched idea, but if someone invented like a sensor on the subway trains to where they stop when there is a person (kind of like many garage door systems) that would be a great solution.
ReplyDeleteThere definitely is a need to install more safety equipment into the subway system, but I can see why New York has not taken the initiative to do so. With the installation and replacement of equipment comes the stop of subway cars so they can be fixed and improved, which means the loss of money from faithful subway riders. New York, being the largest city in the country, probably has the funds to carry out the process, but it is just to cheap and lazy to do anything about the situation.
ReplyDelete