Subway Crime Triggers U.S. Threat to Cut MTA Funds

U.S. Secretary Sean Duffy on March 18 threatened to slash funds over subway crime. He demanded New York’s MTA tackle rising safety threats by March 31. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Duffy insisted the MTA submit detailed plans to ensure effective security for all passengers and staff. Additionally, he raised concerns over assaults, including incidents where passengers faced train pushings.

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Meanwhile, MTA CEO Janno Lieber rejected a federal order to pause congestion pricing that day. Lieber confidently stated the agency would maintain the toll program despite federal pressure.

Congestion pricing, launched in January, imposes tolls on vehicles entering Manhattan south of 60th Street. This initiative aims to reduce traffic, boost vehicle flow, and fund critical transit upgrades.

However, Duffy criticized the MTA for persistent violent acts, homelessness, and public safety risks. He also questioned the agency’s handling of subway surfing and suicide-related injuries.

In response, the MTA highlighted its success in slashing crime rates and fare evasion significantly. Collaboration with the NYPD has driven a 40% drop since 2020, they claimed.

Separately, Governor Kathy Hochul last year deployed 250 National Guard members to bolster transit security. The MTA also installed 15,396 security cameras across all subway cars for monitoring.

Subway Crime Fuels Federal-MTA Tensions

On the same day as Duffy’s letter, the MTA reaffirmed its congestion pricing commitment. Lieber emphasized that the agency would not reverse the toll program under any circumstances.

Introduced to ease Manhattan’s gridlock, congestion pricing supports subway and commuter rail improvements financially. Yet, the MTA and a bridge authority sued to protect the program in February.

Duffy argued that the MTA must address trends undermining one of America’s key metro systems. He urged the agency to prioritize a safe, clean environment for all riders daily.

The MTA reported over 1 billion subway rides in 2024, rebounding from pandemic lows impressively. Still, ridership remains below pre-pandemic highs, prompting ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures.

Subway Crime Hits Record Lows in 2025

Moreover, the MTA underscored that 2025 daily major transit incidents hit a record low. This marks the fewest cases in any non-pandemic year, showcasing substantial security progress.

Despite these gains, Duffy demanded documents proving the MTA’s strategy ensures passenger and worker safety. He stressed reducing fare evasion and maintaining a reliable operating system as top priorities.

Congestion pricing generates vital revenue, yet federal threats now challenge its future stability. The MTA remains defiant, banking on its data to counter claims of inadequate safety efforts.

Subway surfing, an illegal stunt atop moving trains, also drew Duffy’s scrutiny this week. He pressed the MTA for solutions to curb injuries from this dangerous trend immediately.

Hochul’s National Guard deployment reflects New York’s aggressive stance on transit security improvements. Coupled with extensive camera coverage, the MTA aims to reassure riders and federal officials.

Ultimately, the MTA faces a March 31 deadline to satisfy Duffy’s rigorous safety and operational demands. Failure to comply could jeopardize millions in federal funding, valued at $USD millions, for New York’s transit network.

Source: www.reuters.com

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