NYC Subway Gets 250 More National Guard Troops for Holiday Season

Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced a significant increase in security for the New York City subway system. An additional 250 National Guard members will patrol the subway during the holiday season, bringing the total number of Guard members stationed at subway entrances to 1,000.

This deployment is part of a broader strategy to combat crime and reassure riders. While overall crime in the subway system is down since the pandemic, certain categories like murders remain a concern. The Governor and MTA chairman emphasize the progress made, citing a decrease in felony assaults, burglaries, and grand larceny.

However, there's also an increase in murders (200%), felony assaults (55%), and burglaries (140%).

The move is not in response to a specific recent surge in crime, but rather a continuation of the strategy implemented in 2022. This strategy also involves increased deployments of state troopers and NYPD officers.

Camera Coverage Complete:

Ahead of schedule, cameras now cover every subway car, bolstering security measures further. Arrests in the transit system are also up 100% since the pandemic.

Mixed Public Reaction:

While some riders welcome the added security, others consider the National Guard deployment overkill. There are varying opinions on whether this is the most effective use of resources. Mayor Adams has also been taking steps to address the issue of the severely mentally ill in the transit system.

This increased security is a significant step towards enhancing the safety of the NYC subway system, particularly during the busy holiday period. The long-term effectiveness and public perception remain points of ongoing discussion.