Netting to be installed under elevated subways—but only in 4 places

MTA New York City Transit will be installing safety netting four locations under elevated structures in the subway system to see if it is effective at catching loose debris.

City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer called the situation a "ticking time bomb." He named at least a half dozen instances in the last year when shards of metal fell from the structure supporting the No. 7 tracks onto the street below.

Van Bramer said he has been demanded that the MTA place netting above the heads of those walking and driving beneath the tracks.

The MTA relented and announced it will install netting. But only one of the four planned locations is on the No. 7 line on a trial basis.

Van Bramer said he told NYC Transit President Andy Byford that the No. 7 line needs more netting in more places.

"Until the MTA can demonstrate to people nothing will fall into their heads, we need the netting to protect people," Van Bramer said.