NEW YORK CITY – Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a new initiative to enhance safety in New York City’s subway system by deploying NYPD officers on every overnight train from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for the next six months. This measure, funded by the state, aims to address rising transit violence and improve public perception of safety.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch specified that two officers will be assigned to each train during these hours. This deployment is part of a broader strategy to increase police visibility and deter crime in the transit system.
This initiative follows recent violent incidents in the subway, including the tragic death of a woman who was set on fire aboard a Brooklyn train. Despite a reported 5.4% decrease in major transit crimes in 2024 compared to 2023, public concern remains high due to such high-profile attacks.
In addition to increased police presence, Governor Hochul’s plan includes installing platform barriers in 100 subway stations and upgrading lighting to bright LED fixtures across all stations. These infrastructure improvements are part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) capital plan, which currently faces a $33 billion shortfall.
“This is the game plan: More police where they’re needed, safety infrastructure, and critical interventions to help the homeless and mentally ill get the help they need instead of languishing on trains and frightening commuters,” Hochul said. “The chaos must end,” she added.
Mayor Eric Adams supports the initiative, emphasizing that a combination of measures is necessary to address subway violence effectively. He likened the approach to building a series of dams to stop the flow of violence, indicating that multiple strategies must work together to enhance safety.
Critics argue that while increasing police presence may deter crime, it does not address underlying issues such as mental health and homelessness. Advocates suggest that comprehensive solutions should include social services and support systems to tackle the root causes of transit violence.
The financial implications of this plan have not been fully detailed. The state’s commitment to fund the additional police presence and infrastructure upgrades comes amid concerns about the MTA’s budget deficits and the sustainability of such initiatives.
As the six-month period progresses, the effectiveness of these measures will be closely monitored to determine their impact on reducing transit violence and improving rider confidence in the safety of New York City’s subway system.
