Crime in New York City subways fell 7.8% compared to 2023, according to new data released by the NYPD.
In addition, transit crime is down 26.6% over the past four weeks compared to the same time period last year, and the overall crime in the transit system fell nearly 3% compared to 2022, even as the number of riders increased by 14%, according to a press release.
This year, transit crime was down 15.4% in February, 23.5% in March, 23% in April, 10.6% in May and 15.3% in June, city officials said.
“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,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Today, it is clear: thanks to our efforts, our subways are getting even safer. We’ve had five straight months of double-digit decreases in overall subway crime after we surged more than 1,000 additional officers into the system in February, and, so far, in July, we’re on track for a sixth month of safer subways. 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 — and we’re committed to making our subways even safer."
City officials said the reduction in subway crime came in February after the mayor directed an additional 1,000 police officers into the subway system each day.
Additionally, in March, the NYPD announced "Operation Fare Play," an initiative to crack down on fare evasion. These operations have played a part in helping correct behavior and keeping the subway system safe, the press release said.
At a press conference announcing the data, Janno Lieber, the chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said there is still need for more cameras, better lighting and additional stations that are ADA-compatible (Americans With Disabilities Act).
"I am focused on traditional safety and security, but also on investing in the system in all the ways I'm talking about to make it safer," Leiber said. "These discussions about capital investment are going to ramp up in the fall, so while we're celebrating the success of the subway safety program that Governor (Kathy) Hochul and Mayor Adams have put in place, we need to look forward to the investments that we can and must make."
