New York City is facing growing concerns over subway safety as crime continues to rise. Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels, spoke out on "Fox & Friends," stating that subway crime has reached alarming levels, making riders feel unsafe. He highlighted a recent incident where a suspect, arrested for stabbing in the subway, had 87 prior arrests. This situation has prompted New York State Republicans to call for the removal of the city’s transit chief, blaming poor subway service despite increased funding from Governor Kathy Hochul’s congestion pricing initiative.
During a press conference, Republican lawmakers expressed frustration over the state of the subway system. They criticized Hochul for not addressing the crime issue effectively and called for an audit of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who recently visited a sinkhole site in New Jersey, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the subway system needs to be safer and cleaner to encourage ridership.
State Senator Steve Chan proposed a bill to add two new members to the MTA board, representing the NYPD transit police and the transit police union. Chan, a retired NYPD sergeant, condemned a series of violent incidents, including a case where a passenger was set on fire. He remarked on the drastic change in subway safety, recalling a time when riders felt secure even late at night.
In response to the criticism, an MTA official defended the agency, claiming that crime on the subway has decreased by 24% compared to last year and that the Long Island Rail Road is performing well. However, lawmakers remain skeptical, with some arguing that the MTA’s management is ineffective and wasteful.
As the debate continues, New Yorkers are left grappling with safety concerns while using public transit. Many riders have expressed feeling unsafe, especially in light of recent high-profile crimes. The situation has sparked a broader discussion about the future of the subway system and what needs to be done to restore public confidence in its safety.