Bronx, NY – Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx), Lois Tendler, MTA New York City Transit Vice President for Government and Community Relations, and representatives from Council Member Andrew Cohen’s office officially opened new Help Point Intercoms at four subway stations in the Bronx. Assemblyman Dinowitz allocated $950,000 to the MTA for the installation of the intercoms, which feature an interactive two-button communication system that allows subway riders to get in contact with Transit personnel during emergency situations and for travel information.

Assemblyman Dinowitz said, “I am proud to have secured nearly one million dollars to install Help Point Intercoms in subway stations in my district. These highly-visible intercoms allow subway riders to directly communicate with MTA personnel for everyday travel information as well as during emergencies, serving both as information portals and highly-visible deterrents against crime. Quite simply, these devices make our stations safer. Many thanks to the MTA for designing and installing the intercoms – this is just one more example of how government is adapting to serve the needs of citizens in the 21st century.”

“These Help Points are another example of how the MTA is using technology to fundamentally change the way that our customers experience the transit system each day and will make our subway system safer and easier to use, expanding access to assistance throughout stations in a way that wasn’t possible before,” said Lois Tendler, MTA New York City Transit Vice President for Government and Community Relations.

"Help point intercoms will keep passengers safe as they ride our subway systems. This innovative technology delivered to our district facilitates communication between straphangers and transit personnel in the event of an emergency and also has a feature for riders who need directions. I applaud my partner in government, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, for securing funds that brought this important technology to our stations," said State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester).

“I am happy to see my colleague Assemblyman Dinowitz allocate funds to the MTA for the installation of an intercom system. This interactive communications system is vital to the safety of our commuters,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

After the opening ceremony, Assemblyman Dinowitz and MTA VP Tendler tested out the new Help Point Intercoms, pushing a green button to speak with Transit personnel for travel information. The intercoms are also equipped with a red button for emergency or urgent situations. Intercoms have been installed at the Van Cortlandt Park/West 242nd Street, West 238th Street, and West 231st Street stations on the 1 line and the Wakefield/East 241st Street station on the 2 line.