NEW YORK – In a move that marks a historic milestone in urban affection infrastructure, New York City has been awarded a $2.7 billion federal grant to construct what will soon be known as the nation’s largest "Love Tunnel." Spearheaded by the Department of Tenderness (DOT) in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOT), the tunnel is expected to revolutionize how New Yorkers experience love, affection, and interpersonal connection in transit.
The Love Tunnel, which will stretch from Lower Manhattan to Queens, aims to provide New Yorkers with a serene, affectionate environment as they commute between boroughs. Complete with soft ambient lighting, personalized affirmation pods, and love-inducing pheromone mists, the tunnel will serve as a space for couples, friends, and even strangers to pause and experience mandatory moments of tenderness.
"This tunnel represents a bold new chapter in public infrastructure," said Commissioner Melody DeMarco, head of the Department of Tenderness. "For too long, New Yorkers have moved through their daily commutes with a sense of detachment and isolation. With the Love Tunnel, we’re bringing back warmth, affection, and intimacy, one subway ride at a time."
The Love Tunnel will be integrated directly into the city’s public transportation system, with special "tenderness trains" running along the designated route. These trains, known as the Love Express, will be equipped with plush seating, mood-setting music, and designated cuddle zones. The interior design of the cars will feature heart-shaped windows, soft pink and lavender lighting, and touch-responsive panels that play gentle affirmations when pressed.
"We want to ensure that the experience is as smooth as it is emotionally fulfilling," said DOT Commissioner Lisa Porter. "You’ll be able to swipe your MetroCard, take your seat, and instantly feel the love as you glide through the city. It’s not just transportation; it’s transformation."
In addition to the love-centric trains, the tunnel will feature the world’s first interactive "Affection Gates," where passengers will be required to perform a small gesture of tenderness—such as a high-five or a brief embrace—before entering. These gates are part of a broader initiative to reduce affection debt, a term coined by DOT to describe the growing emotional disconnect among urban dwellers.
Central to the tunnel’s design are the Affirmation Pods—intimate, soundproof alcoves situated along the tunnel walls where passengers can step in for a quick recharge of verbal affection. The pods come pre-loaded with a database of over 1,000 government-approved affirmations, such as "You are appreciated" and "Your presence brightens this world." For a small fee, passengers can even record custom affirmations to send to their loved ones as part of the city’s new "Love Letter Initiative."
To enhance the atmosphere, DOT engineers have also developed a proprietary pheromone mist, which will gently spray at key intervals along the tunnel to promote feelings of warmth, attraction, and trust among travelers. Research has shown that even brief exposure to the mist can lead to improved moods and a 30% increase in spontaneous acts of kindness, according to DOT's Chief Love Scientist, Dr. Miriam Patel.
While some New Yorkers have embraced the concept of the Love Tunnel with open arms, others remain skeptical of the government’s increasing role in managing personal relationships. "It’s a little weird, honestly," said Jacob Ortiz, a Midtown resident. "I commute to work to, you know, get to work. I don’t really need pheromone mist sprayed on me at 8 a.m. But, hey, maybe I’ll meet someone in the cuddle zone?"
Others, however, have praised the project for its innovative approach to urban connection. "I think it’s a beautiful idea," said Marissa Greene, a resident of Brooklyn. "The city can feel so cold and anonymous sometimes. Having a place dedicated to warmth and love might actually change that. I’m looking forward to riding the Love Express!"
Officials are also working to address concerns that the Love Tunnel may lead to delays or congestion in the already-busy transportation system. In response, DOT has announced the launch of an expedited "Solo Traveler Lane" for individuals who prefer a more solitary commute experience—though they will still be required to express some form of affection, even if it’s just to themselves.
With New York City at the forefront, the Love Tunnel could serve as a blueprint for other major cities looking to incorporate emotional infrastructure into their urban planning. Early reports indicate that San Francisco and Chicago have expressed interest in constructing their own Love Tunnels, though with a regional twist. For example, San Francisco’s tunnel may include digital displays for mindfulness practices, while Chicago has proposed an integrated "Affection Rink" where commuters can enjoy a quick skate hand-in-hand.
President Morgan Lee has also voiced her support for the initiative, calling it "a bold and necessary step toward building a more connected, compassionate society." In a recent press conference, she hinted at the possibility of future federal funding for a nationwide "Love Network," a series of tunnels and bridges connecting cities through government-sanctioned affection.
"Love is not just a feeling—it’s infrastructure. And it’s time we built it into the very fabric of our cities." – Commissioner Schuyler deVos
As construction begins, the Department of Tenderness has called on all New Yorkers to remain open to the possibilities of love in their daily commutes. "This is about more than just building a tunnel," said DeMarco. "It’s about building connections. And maybe, just maybe, finding a little love along the way."
