Governor Hochul Unveils Plan to Increase NYPD Presence on Subway Trains at Night

New York City, NY – In response to growing safety concerns in the city’s subway system, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a new initiative to station two NYPD officers on every subway train operating overnight. The plan, set to begin Monday, January 20, 2025, aims to enhance security during the hours of 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

The rollout will start with 100 officers and expand throughout January, with the goal of full coverage by the end of the month. The six-month program, costing $154 million, will be funded by the state and focuses on addressing crime and ensuring the safety of New Yorkers using public transit during late-night hours.

“Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe on the subway, especially at night,” said Governor Hochul. “This is a proactive step toward restoring trust and security in our transit system.”

More Officers and Improved Infrastructure

The initiative also includes deploying 750 officers on platforms and stations citywide, covering both day and night shifts. To support this surge, existing NYPD officers will work overtime, ensuring no reduction in other transit policing efforts.

Additionally, the plan emphasizes infrastructure improvements to enhance safety. LED lighting will be installed in all subway stations to improve visibility, and platform edge barriers will be added to over 100 stations to prevent accidents and deter criminal activity.

Public and Expert Reactions

The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. Many subway riders welcomed the move, viewing it as a necessary response to recent violent incidents. However, critics have raised concerns about the sustainability of relying on overtime and whether the initiative addresses deeper issues contributing to subway crime.

“This plan is a good start, but it needs to be part of a broader strategy to address the root causes of safety concerns,” said one transit advocate.

A Temporary Solution to Long-Standing Concerns

The six-month initiative is being closely watched as a test of the city’s ability to improve subway safety. If successful, it could set a precedent for future investments in transit security.

Governor Hochul emphasized that this is just one part of her larger commitment to ensuring public safety across the state. “We are listening to New Yorkers and taking bold action to create a safer, more secure transit system for everyone.”

The results of this effort will likely influence how the city approaches long-term subway safety and crime prevention in the future.