Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy launched a New York subway audit push on Friday. He targets inefficiencies and fraud within the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s operations. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy launched a New York subway audit push on Friday.
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 02: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy testifies before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on April 02, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Committee met to investigate the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Duffy visited New York City and proposed involving the Department of Government Efficiency for scrutiny. Standing with Mayor Eric Adams, he stressed that DOGE experts could enhance taxpayer savings.

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He noted the federal government provided $2 billion to New York in 2024 alone. Yet, he challenged the MTA’s request for $16 billion more, seeking smarter spending.

Optimism emerged as Duffy opened talks with state leaders on federal fund efficiency. He pursues quicker project timelines and cost savings for daily subway users.

New York Subway Audit Targets Safety and Cleanliness

His subway tour revealed stark concerns, prompting Duffy to demand immediate action. “Standards fall short,” he told reporters, spotlighting safety and cleanliness gaps.

Last month, Duffy urged MTA leaders to prioritize safer, cleaner buses and stations. Recent crimes, like the December 31, 2024, 18th Street incident, fuel his resolve.

There, 23-year-old Kamel Hawkins allegedly shoved a man toward a train, shocking residents. Days prior, a woman perished in a Coney Island fire, with the suspect denying guilt.

Duffy observed a struggling individual during his tour, calling it inhumane and urgent. “Mentally ill people shouldn’t live underground,” he declared, decrying subway conditions.

Governor Kathy Hochul, however, defended subway safety improvements during Friday’s response. She highlighted declining crime rates, crediting police and cameras for progress.

Hochul touted overnight train patrols and car surveillance as effective safety boosts. Still, she pledged stronger measures to ensure riders feel secure every day.

New York Subway Audit Sparks Funding Debate

Duffy’s accountability drive contrasts Hochul’s stance, igniting tension over subway oversight. Their clash hints at broader disputes on transit funding responsibilities.

New Yorkers crave reliable service amid escalating costs and persistent safety worries. Thus, Duffy’s review could reshape how $18 billion in federal dollars benefits MTA.

Both leaders agree commuters need better experiences, yet their strategies diverge sharply. Consequently, DOGE’s role may redefine the subway’s path in coming months.

Source: thenationaldesk.com

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