Governor Hochul announces new safety measures for NYC’s subway system, including police on trains and more barriers to enhance security.
New York City: Governor Hochul is stepping up subway safety by putting police on every overnight train for the next six months. She wants to tackle crime and ease fears about safety in the MTA system.
During her State of the State address, Hochul emphasized the need for more uniformed officers, not just on platforms but on every train from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. She described the current subway situation as chaotic.
This announcement follows her earlier decision to deploy 250 National Guard troops during the holidays. While that was a temporary measure, Hochul believes having NYPD officers will make a bigger impact since they can make arrests.
Last year, ten people were murdered in the subway, a significant increase from five the previous year. Although some crimes like burglaries and robberies dropped, assaults remained steady, highlighting the need for more security.
Hochul also plans to install passive platform barriers at 100 more stations to protect riders from accidents. Currently, these barriers are only at 14 stations.
To improve the overall atmosphere, she’s pushing for brighter LED lights at all subway stations by year-end. Plus, new turnstiles will be installed to deter fare evaders, which could help the MTA recover some of the estimated $285 million lost annually.
Hochul is also addressing homelessness and mental health issues in the subway. She supports expanding laws for involuntary commitment for those unable to care for themselves, a move that has sparked some controversy.
She believes this approach is about compassion and helping those in need, despite criticism that it could criminalize poverty or homelessness.
