The MTA boss called out parents to “take control” of the deadly subway surfing trend – as it was revealed kids are attempting boneheaded “Spider-Man” stunts and acrobatics on top of trains.
Six people have tragically died from subway surfing, while related-arrests have soared to 181 this year — up from 118 in 2023, according to NYPD data.
But MTA CEO Janno Leiber touted the agency was the “most active on the issue” and pointed the finger at parents to take some responsibility during a Monday press briefing.
“We beg the parents, beg them, to take control of what’s going on, to make sure the kids don’t engage in this,” he said.
The MTA has made some efforts to combat the foolhardy activity , with initiatives like one launched last year in which subway announcements voiced by New York City students urge passengers to “ride inside” to “stay alive.”