New York City’s Grand Central Madison, a new gem in the city’s transit system located 150 feet below the streets, is making a name for itself for its remarkable safety record. According to MTA Chair Janno Lieber, this Long Island Rail Road terminal is proving to be a sanctuary in a city that’s often in the news for transit-related crimes. With crime rates virtually non-existent, Lieber is encouraging businesses to seize the opportunity to fill one of the 32 retail spaces now up for grabs in the station.
During a recent panel, Lieber praised Grand Central Madison for its unmatched safety and facilities, including what he claims are the city’s best public bathrooms. This comes as a significant note of confidence, especially considering the MTA’s struggles with crime at other stations, like the Fulton Transit Center. Lieber’s comments underscore a stark difference in the atmosphere and operational control at Grand Central Madison, which closes for a brief period overnight, unlike some other stations.
The terminal, which began serving the public in January 2023, has reported only one minor crime—a stolen jacket with a cellphone. This safety record is part of the MTA’s broader strategy to attract a master tenant to manage the retail spaces, with hopes to fill all available spots by 2026. The first retail tenant, Tracks Raw Bar and Grill, marks the beginning of this transformation.
Lieber’s optimistic outlook for Grand Central Madison contrasts sharply with issues faced at other MTA stations and comes amid city and state efforts to combat subway crime. The MTA believes that the terminal, already the third busiest in the U.S., can become a bustling hub of commerce and travel if given the proper support.
As the city, under Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams, doubles down on transit safety measures, Grand Central Madison stands out as a model for what’s possible in urban transportation and retail development.
