NYC subway safety: Mayor Adams, Gov Hochul applaud remarkable decrease in crime rates

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Governor Kathy Hochul, NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban, and MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber announced groundbreaking milestones in subway safety that are setting new records.

The latest data from the NYPD reveals a remarkable 44.4 percent reduction in transit crime this week compared to the same period last year. Over the past four weeks, transit crime has decreased by 26.6 percent, and year-to-date figures show a 7.8 percent drop compared to 2023. This marks one of the safest periods for New York City’s subway system in over a decade.

Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of a secure transit system for the city’s overall safety and livability. “Our public transit system is the lifeblood of our city, and keeping New Yorkers safe on the subway is key to ensuring that New York remains the safest big city in America,” he asserted. The mayor highlighted the success of deploying over 1,000 additional officers to the subway system in February, contributing to five consecutive months of double-digit decreases in subway crime. He added, “Today, other than during the pandemic, our transit system is the safest it’s been in 14 years, with the lowest number of robberies in recorded history.”

Governor Hochul echoed the sentiment, stating, “Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority, and it’s clear that the proactive measures we’re taking to prevent and reduce violence on our subways are working.” She assured the public of continued efforts to maintain and enhance subway safety through ongoing partnerships with city officials and law enforcement.

NYPD Commissioner Caban praised the dedicated efforts of the police force in achieving these milestones. “The tireless efforts of the men and women of the NYPD are making a remarkable impact on the overall safety and quality of life of all New Yorkers, both on the streets and throughout our vast transit system,” he said.

The data shows that subway crime rates are on a consistent decline. February saw a 15.4 percent drop, March 23.5 percent, April 23 percent, May 10.6 percent, and June 15.3 percent. If the current trend continues, July will mark the sixth consecutive month of double-digit decreases in subway crime.

These achievements were bolstered by strategic initiatives such as “Operation Fare Play,” which was launched in March to ensure fare compliance and deploy 800 additional officers to combat fare evasion. This initiative has played a critical role in maintaining subway safety.

MTA Chair and CEO Lieber also highlighted the broader impact of these safety measures. “Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams have made subway safety a priority, and the results are in,” he said. “In the first half of 2024, subways had both the lowest daily crime rate in 14 years and the third lowest in the 28 years since NYPD has been collecting this data when discounting the pandemic.”

As New Yorkers and visitors continue to rely on the subway for their daily commutes, they can do so with greater confidence in their safety. The collaborative efforts between city leadership, the NYPD, and the MTA are proving effective in creating a safer, more secure transit environment for all.