NEW YORK, NY –
Rising crime in New York City’s subway system has led to New York Governor Kathy Hochul announcing a grant to install cameras on every subway train in New York City. The decision comes as multiple victims daily are assaulted, shot, and even murdered.
Last week, Hochul announced the Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit has received a $2 million award, through the Urban Area Security Initiative federal grant program, which will provide funding for the installation of cameras across the entire fleet of subway cars, enhancing security coverage, and, most importantly, increasing passenger confidence in mass transit safety.
“The Urban Area Security Initiative is a program under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Preparedness Grants,” the governor’s office said in a statement. “The funding will enable the purchase of 5,400 cameras to be installed on 2,700 New York City Transit subway cars, two per car. Additionally, the program will fund approximately 3,800 cameras expanding coverage in approximately 130 subway stations.”
“My number one priority as Governor is keeping New Yorkers safe,” Governor Hochul said. “I am proud that we will be installing cameras on all Subway cars – expanding our security capabilities, deterring crime, and providing our law enforcement with support. As we continue welcoming riders back to the transit system, we will continue doing everything in our power to keep riders safe.”
Governor’s office to release a timeframe to purchase and deploy those cameras. Violent crime with a New York City’s transit system has increased 43% in 2022 / 2021.