New York City Mayor Addresses Threat of Federal Funding Reductions for Transit System
Mayor Eric Adams stated that he plans to invite federal officials to New York City to witness firsthand the efforts he is making regarding subway safety.
NEW YORK CITY–On Thursday, Mayor Eric Adams responded to the federal government’s request for information on New York’s public transit safety measures, asserting that the city serves as a model for the rest of the nation.
A letter dated March 18 from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy requested the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) to provide details about fund allocation, crime statistics, and employee training, warning that failure to comply could lead to a reconsideration or reduction of funds.
“It’s crucial to note the numerous high-profile safety incidents in the system, and residents have voiced their support for enhanced care for individuals facing mental health challenges to address these safety issues directly.”
These incidents include a woman tragically burned to death on a train in December and a man pushed onto the tracks in January.
Should the city fail to present strategies and plans for crime reduction, information on employee de-escalation training, and subway crime statistics by March 31, Duffy warned that the department may take “enforcement actions, including redirecting or withholding funding.”
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During a press conference on March 20 for the city’s Mental Health Week, Adams reiterated his intention to invite federal lawmakers to New York “to observe the system alongside us and witness our efforts.”
“It is essential to see our initiatives in action, and they truly serve as a model. What we have accomplished in the city concerning homelessness is a model that can be replicated nationwide,” the mayor stated.
He pointed out that “untreated severe mental health issues are known to contribute to violence and crime,” acknowledging that “those grappling with severe mental health challenges often exhibit alarming behaviors.”
Nevertheless, Adams maintained that the efforts undertaken by his administration regarding the homeless and mentally ill “are indeed exemplary.”
“I plan to … invite our federal lawmakers to come and see our actual work,” he emphasized.
Adams highlighted the city’s Partnership Assistance for Transit Homelessness (PATH) program, which collaborates outreach and mental health professionals with specially trained police for de-escalation.
“Since its launch at the end of August, PATH teams have engaged over 11,000 individuals and provided services to more than 3,000 New Yorkers in need,” the mayor stated.
“Since initiating our Subway Safety Plan three years ago, we have connected 8,400 New Yorkers to shelter, resulting in over 860 people gaining access to permanent affordable housing. Those figures speak volumes.”
Despite public concerns, Adams pointed out that overall subway crime has decreased, reporting “two consecutive years of declining index crimes.”
At the end of January, the city, in partnership with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, began assigning two police officers to every subway train during overnight hours.
“Thanks in part to these initiatives, subway crime has decreased by 28 percent year-to-date,” Adams remarked.
Although overall crime may be down, felony assaults increased last year, reaching the highest levels seen in 24 years, with a 5 percent rise from 2023. Additionally, there were 10 murders in the New York City subway last year, compared to five murders in 2023.
