NY Governor Hochul Reports on NYC Subway Safety and Performance Improvements

Subway Safety Initiatives and Crime Reduction

• 🚔 Cops, Cameras, and Care initiative launched in 2022 to increase police presence, install more cameras, and provide support for the homeless.
• 👮 State-funded NYPD police officers are now deployed on every overnight train to address increased anxiety for late-night commuters and workers.
• 🚧 Platform barriers are being installed, with a goal of 150 stations by year-end, to prevent people from falling or being pushed onto tracks.
• 💡 LED lighting is being upgraded throughout the system to make stations feel safer and more secure.
• 🤝 Outreach teams have successfully placed over a thousand long-term homeless individuals into housing.

Performance Metrics and System Improvements

• 📈 August marked the safest August in recorded history, with major crime down 23% and assaults down 40% compared to last year.
• 📉 Overall subway crime is down 9% from last year and 16% compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
• 💰 Fare evasion has decreased from nearly 14% to approximately 9% in one year due to new initiatives and enforcement.
• ⏱️ The subway system achieved its best on-time performance in a decade.
• 🏗️ Full funding has been secured for the MTA's $68 billion capital plan, supporting infrastructure investments like the Second Avenue Subway and East Side Access.

Addressing Systemic Challenges

• ⚖️ Efforts are underway to address repeat offenders by advocating for changes in bail and discovery laws.
• 🚆 The overnight patrol initiative, initially temporary, will continue due to positive rider feedback and a sense of increased safety.
• 🛡️ The National Guard's Empire Shield mission will continue with $45 million in funding to support safety efforts.
• 🧠 The expansion of Scout teams and the recent enactment of involuntary commitment laws aim to provide better mental health support and reduce disruptive behavior in the subway.

Future Outlook and Commitment

• 🎯 Despite statistical improvements, the commitment to safety remains paramount, with a focus on continuous improvement and accountability.
• 🤝 The administration is committed to making the subway system reliable, safe, and secure for all commuters and visitors.
• 📢 Governor Hochul and MTA leadership are dedicated to ongoing investments in transit safety and funding.