New York, NY — Despite assurances from Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams that New York City’s subway system is safer than ever, many New Yorkers beg to differ. According to a recent Quinnipiac poll, only 15% of respondents feel “very safe” on the subway during the day.
The perception of safety drops dramatically at night, with a mere 7% feeling “very safe.”
The officials credit an increased focus on subway safety, including a surge in police presence since last October, for making strides in reducing crime rates. Major felonies in the subway system have dropped 16% since last October compared to the same period the previous year, according to the city’s data.
Adams described the subway crime situation a year ago as a “blazing fire,” emphasizing that public perception of rising crime also needed to be managed alongside actual crime rates.
Public opinion strongly supports a greater police presence in the subway system, with 86% in favor and only 12% opposed, according to the Quinnipiac poll. Additionally, 62% of those polled support the installation of metal detectors throughout the subway system, while 35% are against it.
Despite these efforts and statistical improvements, the public’s perception of safety remains a challenge for city officials. With significant percentages of the population still feeling “somewhat unsafe” or “very unsafe,” the focus on enhancing subway security is likely to continue.
