New York subway crime rates drop while federal scrutiny rises

In March 2025, New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) provided data to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy regarding subway crime and efforts to mitigate it. This response followed Duffy's request for information amid warnings that noncompliance could impact federal transit funding. Although the MTA claimed that subway crime rates are among the lowest in 30 years, Secretary Duffy argued that crime rates have increased significantly compared to 2019 levels, asserting that the current situation could be resolved quickly. In his statements, he highlighted various incidents and claimed that the condition posed serious risks to commuters, pressing the need for substantial improvements in safety and security measures. Duffy's concerns were underscored by significant incidents in the subways, including violent attacks that have escalated the public perception of danger, thus drawing attention from not just local officials, but federal authorities as well. Meanwhile, the MTA's Chair, Janno Lieber, maintained that overall crime statistics, including a 17.5% decrease from the previous year, reflect a safer transit environment, even as he mentioned ongoing issues with fare evasion and worker safety. The conflicting narratives about safety and crime levels in New York's subway system highlight a growing tension between state and federal perspectives on how best to manage public transit security. Duffy's insistence on stronger federal intervention and local accountability signifies a critical moment for transit safety policies as federal funding continues to come with strings attached that may reshape future operational approaches. Overall, the focus on subway crime and the underlying factors contributing to it serve as a pivotal issue for New York City as it grapples with rising concerns and seeks to balance public safety with effective service operations.