Subway ridership is climbing back to pre-pandemic levels and the leadership at the MTA continues to work on making the subway systems more inviting, starting with efforts to curb crime.

The pandemic wreaked havoc on real estate above and below ground. According to Crain's New York Business, 80% of the subway's former retail spaces are vacant. Aside from the loss of revenue, empty retail makes an uncomfortable environment for riders and feeds the perception that our subways are unsafe. the MTA is creatively working to activate these spaces by adding art installations and programming from non-profit groups.

I can remember the days when our subways had more retail. Busy newsstands, flower shops, shoe shops, and even barber shops. 

The priority needs to be safety first but we also need to do much more to re-energize these spaces.

I'm Rob Walsh with the Business Spotlight on WCBS 880 News.

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