MTA Plans 75-dB Audio Ads in Subway Stations

Pilot program aims to boost revenue, but riders voice concerns over noise pollution and commercialization of public spaces.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is planning a pilot program to pipe 30-second audio advertisements into select subway and commuter rail stations, with the sound capped at 75 decibels. The move has drawn protests from riders and advocates who worry the ads will turn stations into a nonstop commercial loop and degrade the passenger experience.

Why it matters

The MTA's plan to introduce audio advertisements in stations raises concerns about the commercialization of public transit spaces and the potential impact on rider experience. While the agency aims to generate additional revenue, there are questions about whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks of increased noise pollution and the feeling of being bombarded by advertisements.

The details

The MTA's pilot program would allow ads as often as once every 10 minutes, each running up to 30 seconds, with a strict 75 decibel limit. Officials say the plan is a relatively small revenue play to help plug budget gaps, but riders and advocates have likened the proposal to an Orwellian attempt to commodify public space. Some are concerned that even a 75 decibel limit could feel intrusive in a crowded, echoing station environment.

  • The MTA plans to launch the audio ad pilot program in June 2026.
  • In 2021, a previous platform advertisement was measured at 99 decibels, raising concerns that a written cap may not stop intrusive sound in practice.

The players

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)

The public benefit corporation that operates public transportation in the New York City metropolitan area, including the subway and commuter rail systems.

Janno Lieber

The chair of the MTA, who said he was unaware of the audio ad program beforehand.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco Resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The MTA says it will fold a question about audio ads into rider surveys and conduct direct outreach to gauge reaction before considering any expansion of the pilot program.

The takeaway

The MTA's plan to introduce audio advertisements in subway stations highlights the ongoing tension between generating revenue for public transit and preserving the passenger experience. As the pilot program moves forward, the agency will need to carefully balance these competing priorities and address the concerns of riders who view the ads as an unwelcome intrusion into public space.