The New York City subway system is a vital part of the city, as it serves as the fastest means of transportation. The 24-hour transit system is a key part of the development of the city, it is one of the world’s longest and busiest subway systems, helping people transverse the city efficiently, especially for those who travel between boroughs. According to an article written by Don Levy from Vital City, crime rates in the city have gone down, with murders dropping by 11% and shootings by 24%. Despite the decline in crime, commuters are still concerned for their safety when traveling in the subway. The reason for the decrease in public confidence in the subway system lies below the surface in a multitude of smaller statistics and facts.
The NYPD announced a decrease of 15.5% in index crimes in December of 2024, marking the largest one month decline since February of 2021. Not only this, but 2024 carried the title of the second consecutive year of crime reductions within the subway systems. Despite the decline in crimes, it is not enough for passengers to feel safe while riding. A cause for concern is the rise of felony assaults by 51% in 2024 and homicides by 233.3% in the same 3 year time period. High profile incidents continue to occur on the subway, in January of 2025 a teenager was assaulted with a hammer on a Bronx subway train by a man who had 20 prior arrests. The random acts of violence have even made their way to the media, with the effect of informing New Yorkers while also amplifying their fear. Even the famed comedy show “Saturday Night Live” spoke on the issue of subway crime during a segment. Though some statistics suggest the subway has become safer, frequent high profile crimes and incidents contradict them. The upkeep and cleanliness of certain trains and stations often amplify a feeling of anarchy and neglect that creates uneasiness for many riders. As a result of New Yorkers feeling unsafe, additional police officers have been patrolling the subway with mixed results. While their presence reassures many, not everyone feels this way. Some are skeptical about the effectiveness of policing and wonder if it’s even effective in preventing the sporadic acts of violence that often take place.
The widespread feeling of danger has shifted commuting behavior with some commuters avoiding the subway during off-peak hours, or others avoiding it completely and using other modes of transportation. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has recently implemented measures to enhance safety, increasing surveillance and stationing more police in the subway system. There have also been efforts to improve safety by ordinary civilians, with groups like the Guardian Angels resuming patrols. Despite the recent efforts being taken by the MTA and the city itself, it will take time to restore New Yorkers’ confidence in the subway system.
