It is no secret that crime in the New York City subway system is a significant problem. Commuting to work, school, or even grabbing a quick meal can put people at risk of serious injury or even death.
Last month, in the busiest hours on Monday, February 12, shots were fired at the Mt. Eden stop on the 4 train in the Bronx while the train was entering the station. There were a total of 19 shell casings found on the scene and six people were injured. “One 35-year-old man died after being shot in the chest,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said as he was being interviewed by Cedar Attanasio, a NYC Reporter for the Associated Press.
More recently, a man who has been employed for 24 years at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), was slashed while performing his job duties on the C train in Brooklyn. This attack resulted in him having to get 34 stitches. according to… (add source and link)
Following this incident along with others that continue to take place, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) “pleaded with the MTA to deploy a member of the agency’s 1,000-member force,” according to NBC New York.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has considered the travelers’ safety following all the events that have been happening for years and has deployed 750 National Guard officers, along with 250 personnel from the MTA transit police forces.
Some New Yorkers still feel like this isn’t enough. I conducted an Instagram poll that received 84 votes asking users if they feel safe when riding the subway. 85% voted that they do not feel safe. “I have to stay alert at all times, I can’t put my things down and I have to listen to my music at a very low level,” Nikyah Gladden, a high school student who frequently uses the subway, stated.
56% of voters felt that having the National Guard patrol the subways will not help get the crime rate down, while 44% feel that this is a step towards protecting the safety of travelers.
94% voted they would much rather pay the high Uber and Lyft prices than risk their safety on public transportation. “I literally went broke taking Lyft’s back and forth to work because I am terrified of taking the train,” Sidra Gordon, an airline employee, commented.
Travelers also complained that all the crime disrupts their travel plans and makes them late.
