New York City subway riders have expressed concerns about their safety in a series of high-profile crime stories that suggest violence on train cars is becoming a looming problem in New York.
"You never know what's going to happen in these subway systems," Haisley, who was born and raised in Brooklyn, told Fox News Digital.
He said that while crime on the subway used to mostly happen late at night, now "they can strike at any time."
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New York City subway riders expressed concerns about crime in train cars and platforms when asked about safety issues by Fox News Digital. (Fox News Digital)
Haisley believes the influx of people into New York City and progressive crime policies are the main causes of subway crime. He was particularly critical of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul for failing to address prison and bail reform.
"We never feel safe on the subway," one female subway rider told Fox News Digital.
Citing issues of homelessness and a recent incident in which a Guatemalan immigrant was arrested after a woman was set alight and died, the subway rider said people are now very scared when riding public transportation.
Another female rider told Fox News Digital that she no longer considers the subway a "positive" experience and said recent violence has prevented her from pursuing an education in the city.
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An illegal immigrant allegedly set fire to a woman on a New York City subway. (Obtained by the New York Post)
Several subway riders gave similar responses when asked about the situation on the subway, with one young woman telling Fox News Digital that commuters taking the subway to Queens and the Bronx were "afraid to go home." ".
Still, some say their safety isn't a significant concern while riding in and around Manhattan.
Nigel, who is from Queens and has been riding New York City public transit for more than 20 years, said he still loves the subway but admits it needs more development to improve cleanliness and reduce homelessness. .
He also advised subway passengers to be alert to their surroundings.
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The MTA logo is affixed to New York City subway cars. (Luiz C. Ribeiro/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
"I feel like it's very safe. All you have to do is watch yourself. When you go to the subway and stand up, don't have your phone in your hand. Look around you," he said.
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber told Bloomberg News earlier this week that thoughts of crime have "entered people's minds," but claimed trains were safe.
Felony assaults on the transit system increased slightly in 2024, with subway homicides doubling from five in 2023 to 10 last year. Overall, subway crime dropped 5.4%, according to the NYPD.
Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliva blasts New York politicians for double standards on violence During "Fox and Friends" Calling their handling of the crime wave "a slap in the face" to Empire State residents.
"Give everyone who comes into the subway a bulletproof vest and give them a personal police officer like Eric Adams," Sliwa told Brian Kilmeade on Monday. "The mayor has 12 people around him Armed police. Like Kathy Hochul, he's got 12 state police officers. They're delusional. They'll tell you, 'This is what you think about crime!' "This is a slap in the face to everyone who has to ride the subway and pay taxes."
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