Popular city break destination gets festive smells pumped into subway

Underground rail systems aren't particularly noted for their pleasant aromas, with commuters often having to contend with a potent mix of sweat, hot air and industrial odours. But this month, New York residents and tourists riding the subway are in for an unexpected sensory treat. Inside a stretch of the Grand Central station this holiday season, the air is being infused with festive notes of vanilla and fresh pine. Thanks to a new campaign for Bath & Body Works, up to 14 kilograms of fragrance will be dispersed across the 42nd Street shuttle train platform throughout November. The area is one of the busiest in the system, transporting commuters to and from the Times Square shuttle every few minutes. Diffusers attached to a steel girder will spritz visible bursts of vapour over the platform and along the walls of a connecting tunnel.