US threatens to cut transit funds over NYC subway safety issues

Robert Besser
22 Mar 2025, 15:06 GMT+10

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) could lose federal funding if it does not improve safety on the city’s subway system
The MTA runs the subway, buses, and commuter trains serving New York City and nearby areas
Duffy said the MTA must make the subway safer by reducing crime, cleaning up stations, and preventing fare evasion. He asked the agency to submit a security plan by March 31, citing concerns about passengers being assaulted or pushed onto train tracks

WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) could lose federal funding if it does not improve safety on the city's subway system.

The MTA runs the subway, buses, and commuter trains serving New York City and nearby areas.

Duffy said the MTA must make the subway safer by reducing crime, cleaning up stations, and preventing fare evasion. He asked the agency to submit a security plan by March 31, citing concerns about passengers being assaulted or pushed onto train tracks.

The warning came as MTA CEO Janno Lieber rejected a federal demand to stop Manhattan's congestion pricing program. The program, which began in January, charges vehicles driving south of 60th Street to reduce traffic and raise funds for subway and rail improvements. The MTA has taken the issue to court, arguing the program should continue.

Duffy also raised concerns about rising crime, homelessness, and dangerous activities like "subway surfing," where people ride on top of trains. However, the MTA defended its efforts, saying crime is down 40% compared to early 2020 and that 2025 has seen fewer significant crimes than any pre-pandemic year.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has deployed additional National Guard troops to assist with transit security, and the MTA has installed over 15,000 security cameras across subway cars. Despite these efforts, subway ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels, though it has rebounded significantly.

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