MTA New York City Transit's subway system has approximately 1,500 gates that are being modified to facilitate exiting in the event of an emergency.

The gates, located at subways entrance/exits throughout the system, are being equipped with an "emergency" bar that will give customers the ability to open them in the event of an emergency that necessitates immediate evacuation from the system.

This modification will aid in emergency evacuation efforts by giving the customer the ability to push the bar to release the lock, and open the gate. When the gate is opened, an alarm and alert is simultaneously activated, alerting the station agent assigned to the station's 24-hour booth. The agent has the ability to notify police and emergency services.

Installation of the emergency bar at the gate locations began in November 2005. To date, 450 gates have been equipped with these emergency bars. The balance of the installations will be completed by the end of the year.

Click here to view the gate at the Lawrence St Station