By Y.M. Lowy

The MTA is planning a major upgrade to the subway’s announcement and information systems, including replacing outdated speakers and adding new technology to provide riders with clearer and more timely information.

The MTA has set aside $800 million for the technology upgrades and is now asking companies for proposals on how to modernize the systems used for announcements, digital displays and help-point kiosks.

The new announcement system would be able to automatically adjust the volume based on noise levels in the station. The MTA also wants the system to provide announcements in multiple languages and use AI technology to help deliver information to riders.

Some subway stations are still using audio systems that are more than 40 years old. According to MTA planning documents, 76 of the system’s 472 stations have these outdated systems and are not connected directly to the subway’s rail control center.

That means announcements at those stations are often relayed manually by station workers rather than being sent directly from the control center, which can lead to delayed or unclear information.

The MTA also wants to install new digital screens that can provide service updates, directions around stations and other real-time information. The agency is also looking at technology that could provide riders with information about how crowded individual subway cars are.

The MTA is seeking responses from companies by October 15 as it moves forward with planning the upgrades.