Is it safe to use the New York Metro?
Society
The New York City subway system is one of the busiest and most extensive public transportation systems in the world.
Millions of people rely on it daily for their commute. Like any large city, the subway can have its share of crime, but overall it has enjoyed a relatively safe multi-decade run of safety. And became considered a ‘safe’ mode of transportation.
In addition, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) operates a dedicated transit bureau that patrols the subway system and responds to incidents. Furthermore, the subway also has a number of security measures in place, such as surveillance cameras and emergency call boxes, to help ensure the safety of riders.
However, the days of considering the NYC subway safe are over. NYC commuters have become scared of taking it. The MTA released staggering numbers of ridership drops:
“In 2021, our total subway ridership was 760 million, reaching 45% of our 2019 ridership numbers.”
2022 saw an increase of ridership back to 1 billion, but that still remains well below 1.7 billion riders of 2019.
But, one statistic that has made headlines is also crime. Some months in 2022 saw a 200% increase in subway crime. Overall subway crime jumped over 30% for 2022.
Christopher Herrmann, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a former crime analyst supervisor with the NYPD.
“The huge increase in hate crimes and subway crimes are all really just an increase of more people being outside.”
We of course would greatly disagree with the good professor Hermann!
On April 12, 2022, a shooting attack occurred on the N train. Injuring 29 people including 10 who were shot.
On May 4, 2022, a subway conductor who was outraged about constant attacks on transit riders, in addition his fellow transit workers confronted the MTA CEO Janno Lieber during a live radio interview on WNYC.
On September 1st, 2022, a 21-year-old girl was raped on the Times Square platform by the below assailant:
