MTA to Rename Subway Stations for Halloween

The transit agency is rebranding ten locations across the city with spooky names to celebrate the holiday.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Seasonal Events

Screen-print poster illustration showing a classic cast-iron subway staircase decorated with autumn foliage, evoking a festive seasonal urban atmosphere.
The MTA will launch a temporary Halloween rebranding of ten subway and commuter rail stations across New York City starting October 29, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The MTA will launch a seasonal promotion on October 29, 2026, by renaming two subway and commuter rail stations in each borough for Halloween. This effort includes transforming recognizable station names into festive titles like Ghoul Central Terminal.

Why it matters

The transit agency designed this initiative to provide a fun experience for families traveling to Halloween celebrations across the region. By adding thematic elements to public transit, the MTA hopes to engage commuters during the holiday week.

The MTA is renaming 10 stations across the five boroughs, applying temporary stickers to signage as part of its promotional rollout. The agency is also distributing orange and black collectors edition maps to riders featuring images of ghosts, bats, and pumpkins.

The players

MTA

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is the public agency responsible for public transportation in the New York City metropolitan area.

The details

Commuters will see stations transformed with names such as Frighton Beach, Slime Sq-42 Street, and Chambers St of Horrors. The temporary rebranding will remain in place through Halloween to add a festive atmosphere to daily travel.

Timeline

  1. Promotion engagement begins October 29, 2026.

  2. Halloween takes place October 31, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This initiative follows a pattern set by the MTA annual holiday decorations programs by using seasonal aesthetics to improve the passenger experience. Such efforts reflect a broader trend of transit agencies leveraging public spaces to increase community engagement during major holidays.

Commuters can collect the limited-edition orange and black maps at participating stations while navigating the transit system this week. These thematic changes provide a unique travel experience for families heading to local events.

The takeaway

Travelers looking to participate in the Halloween spirit can view the renamed signs across the subway network through October 31. These seasonal updates offer a simple, festive way for residents to engage with the city’s transit culture.

Further reading

For more information on holiday festivities in the transit network, visit New York City Seasonal Events.

Live Poll

Do you support the MTA using agency resources to host themed holiday promotions at transit stations?