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The US Department of Transportation has threatened to withhold federal funding from New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) unless the agency provides a detailed plan to address subway crime.
Some shit you should know before you read: Over the last few years, subway crime in New York City has had a notable spike in violent incidents. While overall crime in the subway system has decreased by 40% compared to 2020, certain high-profile attacks—such as passengers being pushed onto tracks, set on fire, and assaults on transit workers—have kept safety concerns at the forefront. In response, Governor Kathy Hochul deployed 1,000 National Guard troops in 2023 to conduct random bag checks and increase police presence underground.
What’s going on now: In a letter addressed to MTA Chairman Janno Lieber, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy threatened to withhold federal transit funding unless the agency provided a plan to combat subway crime, fare evasion, and passenger safety issues. He said, “The trend of violent crime, homelessness, and other threats to public safety on one of our nation’s most prominent metro systems is unacceptable,” adding, “We will continue to fight to ensure their federal tax dollars are going towards a crime-free commute.”
Duffy’s letter demanded specific data on transit worker assaults, violent incidents involving passengers, and the effectiveness of crime prevention initiatives. He warned of “further consequences, up to and including redirecting or withholding funding” if the MTA did not comply by March 31.
MTA officials pushed back, arguing that crime in the subway has actually decreased significantly, with Chief of Policy John J. McCarthy stating that crime is down 40% compared to 2020 and that 2025 has seen the lowest number of daily subway crimes on record. Lieber also said that fare evasion dropped by 25% in late 2024 and that increased police presence has helped curb violence.
This all comes as the Department of Transportation is already beefing with New York over their congestion pricing plan, which would impose a $9 toll for drivers entering Manhattan at certain times. The Trump administration rescinded federal approval for the program and has given New York until Friday to abandon it, though Governor Kathy Hochul and the MTA have filed a lawsuit to keep it in place. The program is expected to generate $15 billion for subway improvements, including modernization and accessibility upgrades.
