NEW YORK — In a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has threatened to cut federal funding unless the agency makes strides in improving safety measures within New York City’s mass transit system. A letter sent by Duffy on March 18 demands that the MTA provide comprehensive plans and data concerning crime, including assaults on transit workers and fare evasion, thereby putting the transit authority under immense pressure to comply.
"People traveling on the [New York City Transit] system to reach their jobs, education, health care, and other critical services need to feel secure and travel in a safe environment free of crime; as well, workers who operate the system need to be sure of a safe operating environment to provide transportation service," Duffy emphasized in his letter, reflecting urgent concerns about public safety.
The ultimatum comes with an end-of-month deadline, requiring the MTA to present their actions by March 31, or risk facing enforcement actions that may include withholding federal funding. Such funding is crucial for the MTA, as they are already facing a staggering $33 billion funding gap over the next five years, complicating ongoing modernization and accessibility upgrades to the transit system.
In response to the growing challenges, MTA Chief of Policy and External Relations John J. McCarthy stated, "The good news is numbers are moving in the right direction: crime is down 40% compared to the same period in 2020 right before the pandemic, and so far in 2025 there are fewer daily major crimes in transit than any non-pandemic year ever." This assertion highlights a notable downward trend in crime despite existing challenges.
In his letter, Duffy also drew attention to the mental health challenges faced by the city, linking them to safety concerns within the transit system. He insisted that any effective strategy for improving transit safety must include expanded care for individuals facing mental health issues, thus acknowledging the multifaceted nature of crime prevention in public spaces.
The letter comes on the heels of ongoing legal disputes over the MTA's congestion pricing program, which began operating in Manhattan just a month prior. The Trump administration has moved to revoke federal approval for this toll system, which is seen by some as a vital revenue source for the MTA. Without this funding, the authority's ability to improve infrastructure and safety may be severely undermined.
Governor Kathy Hochul, a vocal supporter of the congestion pricing model, has stressed that the MTA will fight to retain this program, stating, "This is not a test of wills; it’s merely a reality that when disputes occur, the existing arrangements remain until they are legally contested.” Her administration has pledged to increase security measures by deploying additional officers to patrol the subway, aiming to bolster security and assuage public concerns.
Amidst these tensions, Hochul's office mentioned that they have surged over 1,000 uniformed public safety personnel into the subway, showcasing a serious commitment to addressing public safety in transit areas. However, critics have raised questions about the adequacy of police presence alone in tackling the root causes of crime, particularly the need for more social services to assist individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health issues.
Despite the increased number of law enforcement personnel, the proportion of violent crime occurring in subways still raises alarm. Recent statistics illustrate that although crime rates are down significantly, there were 10 murders in the subway system in 2024, a stark increase compared to three in 2019. Furthermore, for the first time in nearly two decades, felony assaults in the subway outnumbered robberies in 2023, marking a troubling shift in the nature of crime.
As the deadline of March 31 looms for MTA to respond to the federal demands, the agency is urged to clarify its strategy towards improving safety in its operations. Secretary Duffy has warned that noncompliance could lead to "enforcement actions up to and including redirecting or withholding funding", aiming to prompt action from the transit authority.
"Commuters are sick and tired of feeling like they have to jeopardize their safety to get to work, go to school, or travel around the city," Duffy remarked. These sentiments resonate deeply with many subway riders, who have voiced mixed feelings regarding their safety in recent months. As one commuter articulated, "I travel here every day; I always felt safe. I think they need more policemen to be around the subway to make it better." This perspective encapsulates the anxiety felt by many about the ongoing safety concerns within the city’s transit systems.
In the days ahead, as both the MTA and the federal government navigate these pressing challenges, the outcomes could significantly shape the landscape of public transportation in New York City. With the interplay between safety initiatives and funding challenges underscored, the urgency for effective policies has never been clearer, prompting city authorities to reevaluate their strategies while working in tandem with federal expectations.
