Kathy Hochul and Eric Adams announce plans to make NYC subways safer

New York, New York - New York governor Kathy Hochul and New York City mayor Eric Adams have announced new plans they believe will help quell ongoing subway crime and make commuting in the Big Apple safer.

New York City mayor Eric Adams (l.) and state governor Kathy Hochul have announced new measures that will help make the subway safer for commuters.
New York City mayor Eric Adams (l.) and state governor Kathy Hochul have announced new measures that will help make the subway safer for commuters.  © ANGELA WEISS / AFP

The two politicians shared details of their plans during a press conference over the weekend at Grand Central Station.

"My number one priority as Governor is keeping New Yorkers safe in the streets, in their homes, in their schools, and on the subway, and we will do whatever it takes to make our subways safer for riders," Hochul shared.

According to the state's website, the new plan will deploy more NYPD and MTA officers to patrol stations, implement two new psychiatric center units to assist the homeless and mentally ill, and install cameras in every subway car.

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The two plan to fund their efforts using the state's public emergency fund.

"This effort will help with two things New Yorkers desperately want: The addition of hundreds of additional strategically deployed officers on our trains and help to those suffering from serious mental health illness, so they can find a way out of the subway system," explained Mayor Adams.

"The bottom line is that riders will see more officers in the system, and so will those thinking of breaking the law," he added. "On behalf of all New Yorkers, we're thankful for this state investment that will make our subways safer."

How serious is NYC subway crime?

Recently, there have been an increase in stories about violent attacks taking place in subway stations across the city, which have caused panic among citizens about rising crime rates.

Mayor Eric Adams has argued that the "perception" of rising crime rates is a problem, especially when the statistics don't say the same.

According to CNN, while nonviolent subway crime, such as theft, is up 40% from last year, violent crime has had a much smaller rise. This time last year, there were six subway deaths, but 2022 has currently recorded nine – three of which happened just this month.

Although the count may seem high, there are millions of people that ride the subway on a weekly basis, and one's chances of being victim to a crime are about one in 600,000.

Hopefully, Kathy Hochul and Eric Adam's new plan will be successful in helping commuters feel safer, and deter crimes from happening.

Cover photo: ANGELA WEISS / AFP

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