Union Statement on Crime Decline in the Subways

DECEMBER 18—TWU Local 100 President John V. Chiarello issued the following statement about the decline in serious crimes in the New York City subway system:

Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that subway crime is at the lowest level in 16 years, a remarkable feat as post-pandemic ridership continues to grow. The governor deserves the thanks of all New Yorkers, especially members of TWU Local 100, for the strides she has made in bringing down subway crime.

Local 100 has had a laser-focus on crime since that issue dominated the 2021 mayoral election. Gov. Hochul heard our demand back in 2022 for more police to be deployed in the subways—and the strategy worked.

Overall, major crimes in the system are down 5.2% from 2024, and 14.4% from 2019, and according to today’s announcement, 2025 is on track to be the second safest non-pandemic year on the subways in recorded history aside from 2009.

In addition to being vigilant on preventing assaults, Hochul also urged the MTA to install more high-intensity lighting in stations as well as platform barriers that are saving the lives of many who may be at risk of falling or being pushed onto the tracks, and that work is being done by Local 100 members.

I am grateful to Gov. Hochul for taking these steps to make our subway system safer, but at the same time, even one assault on a transit worker is one too many, so we are pleased that today’s announcement included a commitment of an additional $77 million for police patrols in 2026.