Governor Hochul to outline $77M subway safety plan that adds police patrols to overnight trains
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Subway safety is a big issue for riders in New York City, as many say they don't feel safe in the transit system.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul wants to change that. She wants to put two police officers on each of the city's 147 overnight trains.
Thursday morning, the governor is expected to appear at Grand Central Terminal to give more details on this proposed plan for $77 million.
At her State of the State address, Gov. Hochul gave a brief outline of the proposed six-month initiative that would ramp up patrols between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
She says that most crimes happen overnight and added patrols would be in addition to the National Guardsmen that have been redeployed into the transit system.
"You look at most of the crimes committed, is on the overnight hours. We also want to have the police deployed to make sure when commuters get on in the morning, that the environment is safe, and that those who need assistance are not on the trains in the morning. Those who have spent the night on the train, we can help people get to supportive locations. So, it's about making sure that the first-morning commuter experience is very positive," she said.
Approximately 750 NYPD officers would be stationed across the city with an additional 300 in the train cars themselves.
Thirty subway stations that account for 50% of crime in the transit system would also see ramped-up enforcement and be prioritized.
For Mayor Eric Adams, who's no stranger to public safety, he applauds the governor for her efforts.
"I love the concept. Former transit police officer, I used to be a transit cop. We used to do TPF, tactical patrol force. We rode the trains from 8 p.m. To 6 a.m., mandatory two hours overtime every night," Adams said. "I think what the governor presented is in alignment with the partnership that we've had when we wrote out the subway safety plan."
While Hochul also supports legislation to remove those experiencing homelessness in the transit system, Mayor Adams said they are unable to put a mental health worker along with officers when on patrol overnight.
ALSO READ: Mayor Eric Adams announces $650M investment to get homeless people off the streets of NYC
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