New Yorkers React to MTA's Plan for Audio Ads in Subways: 'Please God No!'

Sammi BurkeSun, March 1, 2026 at 1:11 AM UTC

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(Photo by Erik McGregor on Getty Images)

The MTA is testing audio advertisements in certain New York City subway stations this spring, and commuters are already stressed by the prospect of them becoming a permanent addition to their daily commutes.

The New York Post reports that the pilot program is currently "pumping 75-decibel audio commercials" onto platforms across the Big Apple, with the intention of reviewing feedback from riders in June in order to decide whether or not to move forward with it.

A pair of New York City-focused update accounts shared information about the marketing scheme on Instagram, sparking harsh responses from those facing the challenge of traversing the city in an even more overstimulating manner than before.

Disgruntled travellers were quick to point out that half the time you "can’t even hear what the conductor says" between busted speakers and crackling audio transmissions, while some expressed concern that "condition[ing] riders to ignore audio messages" could pose a safety risk when it comes to emergency announcements.

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All in all, though, New Yorkers proved they're just tired of being bombarded during every moment of their lives.

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"There is not a corner of our existing that is free from corporations trying to sell us shit. It is exhausting!" one vented, while another simply begged, "Please God no."

"If we are forced to listen to ads on our commute then our commute should be free," someone else asserted, with another agreeing that they might be more understanding if the subway was free to the public. "...but y'all are raising the prices, and forcing us to listen to advertising? i will personally break every speaker i see atp," they pledged.

Someone else predicted: "Next up: a premium tier for ad-free cars."

"Save yourself research and just know the feedback is: NO," someone else summed it all up. 75 decibels borders on unreasonably loud, similar to the sound of a vacuum or heavy traffic. Just 10 more decibels is where permanent hearing damage becomes possible with prolonged exposure.

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This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”