Gov. Hochul says subway crime is at a ‘generational low’
While some commuters may not feel those record lows, Hochul says subway crime is down 14% compared to 2019 and down 5% from 2024. All while ridership continues to climb.
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Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that subway crime is at a generational low, the lowest since 2009.
But her announcement sparked some strong reactions from commuters, who don’t necessarily agree with her statements.
“Foolishness,” said Theodosia McFadden. “I mean, week after week, we hear more and more crimes happening on the train. People getting stabbed, fights happening, even with the kids. They are fighting on the trains. I see it when I come home. So I’m not sure where she got that from.”
“Sometimes, working with numbers, you can make the numbers reflect whatever the outcome that you want,” said Leo Johnson.
While some commuters may not feel those record lows, Hochul says subway crime is down 14% compared to 2019 and down 5% from 2024. All while ridership continues to climb.
“I do not normally travel overnight because I feel it's less safe,” said Florencia. “But during the day I think it's pretty normal.”
Just in the last two weeks, News 12 reported on violent attacks happening on trains across multiple boroughs.
“Crime is up as far as I’m concerned,” said McFadden. “If I have to come home concerned every night, there’s a problem.”
Despite the measures officials have taken—like more officers patrolling the subway, commuters say they’re not sure that’s enough.
“I do give the governor credit,” said Johnson. “They have taken a proactive approach. There are more cameras and police officers. But in reality, in this world, you can't stop crime. It's just going to be there.”
To keep things on an upward track, Hochul has committed to an additonal $77 million to support subway patrols next year, complete platform barriers and LED lighting across stations and deploy SCOUT teams to respond to mental illness.
