New York Gov. Hochul announces $77M plan to increase police on subways

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced a major effort to address crime on the city’s subway system following a number of high-profile, violent incidents. Hochul said her office is deploying double the NYPD officers to patrol train stations beginning Monday, Jan. 20.

“Last March, we had a big surge in crime. We started to see a decline in the fall, and then for some reason, there was a 46% increase in crime in the month of January,” Hochul said of the numbers in January 2023 and 2024.

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The move comes in response to a series of violent incidents, including the murder of a woman who was set on fire while sleeping on a train at Coney Island station in December. Days later, a man allegedly stabbed two people at Grand Central Station in Manhattan.

Hochul already called in the National Guard to boost security on the subway after six people were fatally shot in February 2024.

“Go ahead and ask people, do they feel better when they see someone in uniform who can protect them in advance of someone trying to do harm to them, or certainly be there to help in the aftermath,” she said.

The governor emphasized that most violence in the subway system occurs during the overnight hours.

To combat the increased violence, Hochul outlined a $77 million, six-month initiative that will roll out a comprehensive five-step plan aimed at improving subway safety:

• At least two NYPD officers will be assigned to each of the 150 overnight trains. An additional 750 officers will patrol subway platforms.
• LED lighting will be installed at all stations to enhance visibility.
• The city will implement stricter enforcement on fare evasion.
• The plan also includes expanded outreach services to help address homelessness.
• Provide mental health support, with a focus on getting individuals in need, off the subway system.

Hochul’s plan will prioritize the 30 stations that have been the site of half of all crimes in the transit system.

“The NYPD has 2,500 officers assigned to transit stations around the city,” Hochul said. “They’re not going anywhere; this is not taking people out who are already performing important protection services.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has expressed his support for the initiative, calling it an important step to enhance safety in the subway system.

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New York has already installed cameras in every subway car and put up barriers to prevent fare evasion, which has been a growing issue.