New York City subway riders are increasingly worried about their safety on trains following a string of prominent crimes. Many expressed their anxieties to Fox News Digital, highlighting a growing unease about violence on the subway.
One Brooklyn native, Haisley, noted that while subway crime used to be largely a late-night concern, it now seems to occur at all hours. He attributed the rise in criminal activity to a combination of population growth and what he perceives as lenient crime policies. He specifically criticized Governor Kathy Hochul's handling of prison and bail reform.
Another rider echoed these sentiments, emphasizing a pervasive sense of insecurity on the subway. She pointed to issues like homelessness and the recent arrest of a Guatemalan migrant in connection with the death of a woman who was set on fire as contributing to the fear among passengers.
A separate female rider shared that the recent violence has made her reconsider pursuing education in the city, diminishing her once-positive view of the subway system. Several other riders voiced similar concerns, with one young woman stating that commuters traveling to Queens and the Bronx are particularly afraid.
However, not all riders share the same level of concern. Nigel, a Queens resident with over two decades of experience riding the subway, still feels generally safe, although he acknowledges the need for improvements in cleanliness and addressing the issue of homelessness. He advised fellow passengers to stay aware of their surroundings and avoid distractions like cell phones.
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber recently downplayed the crime concerns, telling Bloomberg News that the perception of danger is exaggerated and that the subways are safe. However, NYPD statistics reveal a slight increase in felony assaults in the transit system in 2024 and a doubling of subway homicides compared to 2023, although overall subway crime was reportedly down.
“Guardian Angels” founder Curtis Sliwa criticized New York politicians for what he sees as a disconnect between their words and the reality faced by subway riders, calling their response to the crime surge a "slap in the face."
