Musician aims to make fare collection 'beep' sound more pleasant
James Murphy, frontman of the now-defunct LCD Soundsystem, has launched Subway Symphony, a proposed project intended to replace the “unpleasant beep” heard when riders swipe their MetroCard with a more soothing sound.
NEW YORK — The Wall Street Journal reported James Murphy, frontman of the now-defunct LCD Soundsystem, has launched Subway Symphony, a proposed project intended to replace the “unpleasant beep” heard when riders swipe their MetroCard with a more soothing sound. Each subway station would get its own sound.
Murphy has been working on his alternative sounds for the past 15 years. He is a “subway geek” who is “generally happy” with New York’s subway service.
MTA spokesman Adam Lisberg told the paper that while the plan “is a very cool idea,” it may be costly and time-consuming to put into practice. For the full story, click here.
Murphy is petitioning the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority to let him complete the project, according to The Wire. For the full story, click here.
More Rail

Keolis and SNCF Voyageurs Bring Rail Expertise to California High-Speed Rail
The CDA establishes a collaborative predevelopment partnership intended to evaluate future delivery opportunities through public-private partnership models.
Read More →
Stadler Marks 10 Years in the U.S. with Salt Lake City Expansion
The expansion is expected to create up to 300 new local jobs, some of which are youth apprenticeships, said Stadler officials.
Read More →
MBTA Selects STV to Support Battery-Electric Locomotive Procurement
The firm's seven-year contract includes end-to-end support from bid review and selection through procurement, production, and testing.
Read More →
Executive Order Aims to Improve Transit Access Across California
The order directs state agencies to streamline transit project delivery, improve coordination, and expand access to bus and passenger rail services across California.
Read More →
California High-Speed Rail Advances Merced–Madera Construction Procurement
The procurement represents a major expansion of active high-speed rail construction.
Read More →
Amtrak Finalizes Pre-Development Agreement for Penn Station Overhaul
The agreement advances plans for a $7 billion to $8 billion transformation of New York's busiest transit hub, with construction expected to begin by the end of 2027.
Read More →
New York MTA Leverages Zoning Program to Advance Station Accessibility
Accessibility enhancements at Nevins St Station will be financed through a development agreement tied to the MTA's Zoning for Accessibility initiative.
Read More →
Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail
Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.
Read More →
DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades
Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.
Read More →
D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System
Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.
Read More →