The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and New York City Transit launched a campaign highlighting transit workers that keep New York City moving every day. The “I Move NY” campaign will feature subway and bus worker profiles and highlight personal stories and provide insight into the everyday lives of bus operators, subway conductors, station agents, maintenance workers and other public-facing workers.

The Importance of Transit Workers

As transit employees play a critical role in the function of New York City and are the backbone of the public transit system, it is essential the public recognizes them as valued members of the community.

The campaign will feature a series of profiles that showcase these workers’ backgrounds and interests, including fun facts such as their favorite desserts and hobbies. The campaign will also include physical signage on buses, digital signage on the subway, and video content across MTA’s social media channels.

“Mass transit is like air and water for this city, and it would not be possible without the hardworking employees behind it,”said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “By sharing their stories, we’re bridging a gap between transit workers and the communities they serve. This campaign is an opportunity to foster greater appreciation and respect for transit workers and their contributions to the fabric of our daily lives and the city as a whole.”

Keeping Workers Safe

Protecting transit workers is the highest priority of the MTA and over the last year, the authority has continued to roll out initiatives in support of worker safety.

In 2022 the New York State Legislature signed a bill extending criminal charges to individuals who assault transit employees to include station customer assistants, ticket or revenue collectors, maintenance workers, repairers, cleaners, and supervisors.

In February 2023 MTA increased visibility to its no-standing zone pilot with four-foot-tall vertical stanchions made of flexible rubberized material. The program is designed to enhance the safety and security of subway conductors by discouraging customers form standing in this area and deterring attacks against subway conductors. The program is being piloted on the platform of the 125 St. 456 station.

In March the authority introduced a security monitor screen pilot that was rolled out across 100 buses. High-definition LCD screens were installed on board near the entry stairwell to serve as a deterrent against potential bad actors and provide real-time evidence to law enforcement.

New York City Transit is also continuing to test designs for fully enclosed cockpits to protect bus operators.