NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Gov. Kathy Hochul revealed a detailed plan on Thursday to enhance safety on New York City's subway system, focusing on increased police patrols and infrastructure upgrades.
The $77 million plan will place 750 additional officers on subway platforms and in stations. Additionally, 300 officers will be assigned in pairs to 150 overnight trains, enhancing safety during late-night hours.
The governor's promised surge of officers will begin imminently. "How does Monday sound?" Hochul said during her announcement at Grand Central Terminal. "I'm not waiting. Monday, you'll start seeing the increased presence on the overnight trains."
The plan will add two additional NYPD officers to every train between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. over the next six months. This addition of officers will supplement, not replace, the duties of the 2,500 officers already assigned to transit patrols.
Hochul also talked about cracking down on fare evasion, which she described as "shameless and brazen." To address this issue, the MTA has been directed to install modern turnstiles in the 40 stations with the highest rates of fare evasion.
The governor's plan comes as concerns grow over subway safety following a series of violent incidents. Over the past year, the subway system has seen a rise in stabbings, assaults, and tragic incidents like a December attack where a woman was fatally set on fire.
According to NYPD data, there were 10 subway murders in 2024, doubling the number from the previous year. Reported felony assaults also reached a record 573 cases, the highest since at least 1997.
Hochul's proposal aims to improve station infrastructure. The MTA will receive funding for protective platform barriers at 100 stations to prevent passengers from falling or being pushed onto tracks. Plans also include upgraded LED lighting to brighten dark stations and new fare gates to reduce fare evasion.
Hochul explained that she also met with Mayor Eric Adams about overnight subway patrols over the next six months.
