MBTA considering barriers on subway platforms

BOSTON — MBTA officials are reportedly considering adding new barrier doors to the platforms to keep commuters safe.

The purpose of the waist-high sliding wall is to have a safety barrier between the train and people.

The barriers are used across Asia, especially in countries like Japan where platforms can get extremely busy. They're also starting to show up in European countries.

Those familiar with the T can attest to just how busy it is on the platforms - especially at rush hour.

According to the Boston Globe, MBTA officials say the walls would not only prevent people from falling onto the tracks, but would also make getting on and off the trains a more orderly process by giving people visual cues.

The barriers could also use technology to potentially steer people toward cars that are the least crowded.

MORE: Woman saved by bystanders after falling into gap on Orange Line platform

Last week, a woman getting off the train at the Massachusetts Avenue T stop suddenly fell and got stuck between the train and the platform. Dozens of bystanders jumped in to help get her out, but she reportedly has a pretty severe leg injury.

If the door barriers are approved, transportation secretary Stephanie Pollack says they would be the first on any major transit system in the United States.

The first to try them out would likely be the Red Line.

Cox Media Group