Only 15% of New Yorkers feel “very safe” riding the subway during the day — and a majority would like to see more police officers patrolling the system, a new poll found.
Quinnipiac University on Wednesdayreleased the resultsof a poll that asked registered New York City voters to share their thoughts onMayor Eric Adams’ first few months in office, as well as issues ranging from crime to affordable housing.
What You Need To Know
- Quinnipiac University on Wednesday released the results of a poll that asked registered New York City voters to share their thoughts on issues including crime, transit and politics
- Fifteen percent of those who responded said they felt “very safe” navigating the subway system during the day, while 33% said they felt “somewhat safe,” 21% said they felt “somewhat unsafe” and 22% said they felt “very unsafe"
- Asked about Mayor Eric Adams’ plan to continue to increase the NYPD’s presence in the transit system, 86% of those who responded said they supported his plan, while 12% said they were against it
Fifteen percent of those who responded said they felt “very safe” navigating the subway system during the day, while 33% said they felt “somewhat safe,” 21% said they felt “somewhat unsafe” and 22% said they felt “very unsafe.”
At night, meanwhile, only 7% of respondents said they felt “very safe,” while 23% said they felt “somewhat safe,” 24% said they felt “somewhat unsafe” and 37% said they felt “very unsafe.”
Asked about Adams’ plan tocontinue to increasethe NYPD’s presence in the transit system, 86% of those who responded said they supported his plan, while 12% said they were against it.
And sixty-two percent of respondents said they hoped to see the city install metal detectors throughout the subway system, with 35% saying they were opposed to the idea.
Quinnipiac released the poll results nearly a month after a gunmanopened fireon an N train as it pulled into the 36th Street subway station in Brooklyn, injuring more than two dozen people, including 10 people who were shot.
Adams had already increased police patrols in the subway system before the attack as part of ajoint planhe and Gov. Kathy Hochul released in February. That initiative came in the wake of a spate of high profile attacks within the system, including themurder of 40-year-old Michelle Goin Times Square.
Transit crime was up by 53% last month compared to April 2021, NYPD statisticsreleased Tuesdayshow.
Year-to-date as of Thursday, that figure stood at 62.7%, with 747 transit crimes reported in 2022 compared to 459 in the same period last year, according todata compiled by the NYPD.
After the Brooklyn subway shooting, Adams said the NYPD woulddouble its subway patrols, despite criticism from advocates who argued that an increased police presence would do little to deter crime.
The mayor also said the city was looking into installing weapon-detecting technology throughout the system.
“We found a number of interesting devices that can detect guns. We want to do pilot projects,” he said in aninterviewon April 25. “We’re still working out the details, because we’re going to make sure that we are protecting constitutional rights when we do so, but we are closer to rolling out a pilot project, and I’m excited about it.”
FAQs
Nonetheless, subway safety has been on many New Yorkers' minds in the wake of a number of high-profile crimes underground. NY1 asked followers on social media: "Do you feel safe riding the subway?" Here are the results of the unofficial poll. On X, nearly 54% voted "no" and more than 46% voted "yes."
What do New Yorkers think about the subway? ›
In 2023, 49% of New Yorkers said they felt safe riding the subway during daylight hours, a staggering 32-point drop from 2017, the poll results showed. In 2017, 46% reported feeling secure on the system after nightfall, according to the data.
How safe is the subway New York Times? ›
“If you look at crime reports that numbers are going down, but you hear your neighbors say that they're afraid to ride, then that becomes your reality.” In mid-2022, there was about one violent crime per one million rides on the subway, according to a New York Times analysis.
How do you feel safe on NYC subway? ›
Avoid end cars when possible especially during late night hours. Cover jewelry and turn gem stone rings inward towards the palm side of your hand. Wear purses and backpacks to the front of you to prevent grab & run crimes. Stay awake and alert and try to exit with others.
Is it safe to ride the New York subway at night? ›
Yes. The New York City subway system is relatively safe. A good thing about "the city that never sleeps" is that, at almost any given time, there will be other passengers riding with you. Note: homeless men and women often sleep on the subways late at night.
Are subways safe in NYC after an earthquake? ›
MTA CEO Janno Lieber says it's safe to ride even through a small earthquake, explaining New York City's subway system remained fully functional during the 4.8 magnitude earthquake. "The service on the transit system, all aspects of the transit system, maintained continuously operating safely throughout," Lieber said.
Should you ride the subway in New York? ›
How do I know when I should use the subway? The Subway is generally the best way to get around New York City if you're traveling more than a mile (otherwise, just walk, you'll live longer!). This is especially true if you're going from one part of the city to another.
What do New Yorkers call the subway? ›
LOCAL TIP: New Yorkers typically call the subway “trains” (not underground or metro) or by their alpha name (the C or the Q).
Do most people in NYC take the subway? ›
According to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the New York City subway system served 5.6 million passengers on an average weekday in 2017, while City buses served 2.3 million passengers1.
What is the crime rate in New York City? ›
As of 2022, New York City has a murder rate of 6.3 per 100,000. This makes the Big Apple one of the safer large cities in the country. Overall, crime rates continue to go down in New York City. New data released in late 2023 shows an overall decrease in crime — a drop of 4.1% compared to the prior year.
The types of crimes on transit are varied, from prohibited behaviors like smoking or drug use, vandalism or theft, to assaults and other violent crimes. In January 2023, train riders experienced roughly 7 crimes per 200,000 passengers, and bus riders experienced 1 crime for the same number of people.
Is the NYC subway 24 hours? ›
Time periods. The New York City Subway is one of the few subways worldwide operating 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The schedule is divided into different periods, with each containing different operation patterns and train intervals. (3a) early evenings – 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Is the NYC subway safe for tourists? ›
Yes. Riding the subway, including in Brooklyn, is, statistically, quite safe. You are more likely to trip and get hurt running for your train than you are to be a victim of crime on a subway in Brooklyn. Next, there isn't a “Brooklyn subway,” but many lines in Brooklyn, and at least 170 stops.
Is it safe to go to NYC right now? ›
We Ask Tourists and Locals: Is NYC Safe? Whether you're planning a trip for work or pleasure, or thinking about a change of scenery, you may be wondering, is NYC safe right now? So, to the question of: Is New York a safe city right now? The short answer is a qualified yes!
How do you feel safe in NYC? ›
Don't openly wander around with your head buried in a map - familiarize yourself with NYC's grid system, and plan your movements over breakfast or brunch. Soon you won't need a map to travel. ❗Keep your valuables well hidden. To avoid pickpockets, always make sure that your valuables are hidden.
Do New Yorkers ride the subway? ›
The City is made for people who need to get places. How many New Yorkers ride the subway every day? In 2020, the subway has a daily ridership of approximately 2 million and an annual ridership of roughly 640 million.
Does New York have a good subway system? ›
Our subway system is the largest and busiest in North America. There are 472 stations on 25 routes, spread along 665 miles of track. The subway operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Riding the subway is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get around the city.
What to do if violence breaks out on your train or bus? ›
Many train systems have intercoms that riders can use to contact the conductor. Riders can also contact other transit employees or immediately call 911 if they have cellular service underground.
Is there security on New York subway? ›
NYPD Transit Bureau officers patrol the subway's lines, trains, and stations. They aren't MTA employees, but they work in partnership with us. Learn more about NYPD Transit.
