Record-breaking safety in New York City subways last month, as claimed by the MTA
In the heart of New York City, the transit system is witnessing a significant drop in crime. According to MTA chair and CEO Janno Lieber, the transit system is working closely with Governor Kathy Hochul, the NYPD, and Mayor Eric Adams to ensure the safety of its six million daily riders.
June saw a decrease in transit crimes, with 175 reported incidents compared to 187 during the same month last year. However, it's unclear how many of these crimes were felonies. NYPD statistics show a year-to-date decrease of 2.1% in transit crime compared to the same period in 2024.
Robberies in the subway system have dropped by 16.7%, and grand larcenies are down 6%. Felony assaults in the subway system have decreased by 9.3%. These crime dips are attributed to increased overnight patrols, more security cameras, and additional mental health outreach in the subway system.
Beyond these core security measures, the MTA and NYPD have implemented additional targeted measures to reduce subway crime. These include:
- Expansion of overnight patrols: Two uniformed police officers are placed on every subway train from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., increasing direct supervision during late hours.
- Installation of protective platform barriers: Platform edge barriers have been installed at 65 stations, with plans to reach 100 stations by the end of 2025. These barriers help prevent accidents and deter crime near track areas.
- Upgrading fare gates and delaying emergency exit egress: These upgrades aim to crack down on fare evasion and unauthorized station access, known contributors to crime.
- System-wide LED lighting installation: Improved lighting has been installed in over 360 stations, with all 472 stations expected to be equipped by year-end 2025. This move increases visibility and enhances passenger safety.
These efforts have contributed to the safest recorded recent period in NYC subway history, with a 8% drop in major felony crimes as of July 2025. The NYPD's Summer Violence Reduction Plan, focusing on 72 zones across 59 communities, also plays a crucial role in this achievement.
However, crime in the New York City subway system still faces challenges. Fare evasion continues to be a significant issue, costing up to $800 million yearly in foregone revenue. Nonetheless, the MTA, NYPD, and Mayor Adams remain committed to maintaining a safe and secure transit system for all New Yorkers and visitors.
[1]: Source: MTA press release, July 2025 [2]: Source: NYPD crime statistics, year-to-date as of July 2025 [3]: Source: NYPD Summer Violence Reduction Plan, 2025 [4]: Source: MTA press release, July 2025
- The industry of transportation in New York City, specifically the subway system, has experienced a significant decrease in crime due to the implementation of various security measures by the MTA, NYPD, and Mayor Adams.
- In the realm of finance, the New York City transit system is losing millions of dollars annually due to the persistent issue of fare evasion, despite the ongoing efforts to ensure safety and security.
