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The Cost Of Adding Metal Detectors To Subway Stations In New York City

Cost is one reason there are no metal detectors — New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority deficit is predicted to be $1.4 billion 2025.

The Cost Of Adding Metal Detectors To Subway Stations In New York City
Seth Wenig / AP

Tuesday's subway attack in New York City left many Americans asking the simple questions: How could this happen? And why are there no metal detectors?

In 2018, the New York Police Department tested a pilot program using metal detectors at one of the busiest stations in Times Square.

However, it wasn't effective because of long wait times and the overall costs. 

Police Hunt Suspect Who Wounded 10 In Brooklyn Subway Attack
Police Hunt Suspect Who Wounded 10 In Brooklyn Subway Attack

Police Hunt Suspect Who Wounded 10 In Brooklyn Subway Attack

​The charge against him carries a sentence of up to life in prison and pertains to terrorist or other violent attacks against mass transit systems.

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New York City has 472 subways stations. So, what would it cost to add metal detectors?

Each metal detecting machine costs about $2,200, and the city would need four turnstiles per station. 

That adds up to $8,800. Multiply that by the number of stations in New York City, the total would be nearly $4.2 million, and this doesn't include personnel. 

The truth is, New York City doesn't have a way to pay for it. 

Increasing the subway fare wouldn't help. Rides cost $2.75, which goes toward New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority deficit — predicted to be $1.4 billion in 2025.