New York will assign police officers to ride every subway train overnight beginning in 2025, a key part of the FY 2026 state budget’s $77 million investment to improve public safety and restore rider confidence.
The initiative comes amid ongoing concerns about crime and mental health issues in the subway system, especially during late-night hours.
What the subway safety plan includes
Under the plan, NYPD officers will be stationed on all subway trains from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. This marks the first time New York will have full overnight coverage across the system.
The funding will support:
- Overtime and staffing to ensure round-the-clock NYPD coverage
- Additional platform barriers and LED lighting upgrades
- Welcome centers in major stations to connect homeless individuals with services and shelter
Governor Kathy Hochul said these steps will make subways safer for all riders, especially those commuting during off-peak hours.
“We’re showing up with visible, consistent patrols—and results,” Hochul said. “We will not let fear take over our public transit system.”
Why New York is investing in subway safety
The new patrol plan follows a successful 2024 pilot program in which NYPD officers rode overnight trains on high-risk routes. The city reported a sharp decline in subway crime, reaching the lowest level in 27 years, according to officials.
The full-scale rollout is intended to maintain momentum and prevent future surges in crime or disorder.
Hochul emphasized that public safety is key to economic recovery and daily life. “If people don’t feel safe, they won’t ride,” she said.
Mental health and homelessness response
The subway safety initiative is closely tied to mental health and homelessness support.
The FY 2026 budget includes:
- $40 million for Safe Option Support (SOS) teams who engage with unhoused individuals in stations
- $160 million to create 100 forensic psychiatric beds in NYC
- Expanded Kendra’s Law for involuntary treatment of individuals with severe mental illness
These programs aim to divert people in crisis from jails and ERs into long-term care.
Subway upgrades and fare enforcement
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will also receive funding for capital improvements and enforcement:
- Platform edge barriers to reduce track incidents
- Improved station lighting and signage
- Measures to crack down on fare evasion, which officials say costs the MTA hundreds of millions annually
What to expect in 2025
NYPD patrols will roll out fully by fall 2025, covering all subway lines during overnight hours. Riders can expect to see uniformed officers onboard trains and stationed in key transfer hubs.
Officials say the program is a model for transit systems nationwide seeking to restore post-pandemic ridership and public trust.
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