MTA to Blast 75-Decibel Ads in Subways, Drawing Backlash

Critics compare the move to dystopian novel 'Fahrenheit 451' as MTA defends new audio ad pilot

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is launching a pilot program in June to play 30-second audio advertisements in select subway and commuter rail stations, with the ads capped at 75 decibels. The move has drawn criticism from riders who argue the ads will further degrade the passenger experience and liken the intrusive audio to propaganda. The MTA insists riders will have a say before the program is made permanent, but one critic argues the ads are a 'step too far' in the commercialization of public transit.

Why it matters

The MTA's decision to introduce audio ads in subway stations comes as the agency struggles with declining ridership and a need for additional revenue. However, critics argue the move will only further erode the passenger experience, with one likening it to the dystopian novel 'Fahrenheit 451.' The debate highlights the tension between the MTA's financial pressures and commuters' desire for a peaceful, functional transit system.

The details

The new 'Station Audio Advertisements' pilot will allow the MTA to play paid 30-second ads as often as once every 10 minutes in select subway and commuter rail stations starting in June. The MTA claims the ads will be capped at 75 decibels and barred from mimicking alarms, emergencies or official announcements. However, a critic pointed to a previous 'Lion King' ad measured at 99 decibels, raising doubts about the MTA's volume pledge. Only ads for media, entertainment and sports will be allowed initially, and any ad that could be mistaken for an MTA message is forbidden.

  • The MTA's new audio ad pilot will launch in June 2026.
  • In 2021, a 'Lion King' platform ad the MTA claimed was aimed at 78 decibels was measured at 99 decibels.

The players

MTA

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the agency responsible for operating the city's subway, bus, and commuter rail systems.

Aiki Orcar

A critic who argued at an MTA board meeting that audio advertising would 'degrade the passenger's experience to raise revenue a small fraction of a percent.'

Janno Lieber

The chair of the MTA, who said the agency will use customer surveys to gauge riders' opinions of the subway ads.

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What’s next

The MTA will use customer surveys and direct interactions with riders to gauge opinions on the audio ad pilot before deciding whether to make the program permanent or expand it.

The takeaway

The MTA's decision to introduce intrusive audio ads in subway stations, despite the agency's minimal revenue from advertising, highlights the tension between the transit authority's financial pressures and commuters' desire for a peaceful, functional public transit system. This debate underscores the broader challenges of balancing commercial interests and the public good in the operation of essential infrastructure.