Governor Kathy Hochul announced that crime on the New York City subway system has reached its lowest level in 16 years. During a press conference on Thursday, she revealed that overall subway crime has decreased by 5.2 percent compared to 2024 and 14.4 percent since 2019. The reduction in crime coincides with an increase in subway ridership, which is up nearly eight percent from last year, breaking several post-pandemic ridership records.
Governor Hochul attributed the decline in crime to enhanced safety measures, including increased police presence. The state has committed an additional $77 million to support New York Police Department (NYPD) patrols into 2026. According to Governor Hochul, “Crime is down and ridership is up on subways thanks to major investments to keep New Yorkers safe and run better, more reliable transit.”
In addition to increased patrols, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has implemented several safety improvements, including installing platform barriers at 115 stations and upgrading to LED lighting. These efforts have contributed to a significant drop in crime rates, with felony assaults decreasing by 16 percent in the second half of 2025…