Trump Administration Threatens NY MTA with Federal Funding Cuts Over Subway Safety

NEW YORK — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has issued a stark warning to New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), threatening to withhold federal funding unless the agency provides a comprehensive report on subway safety by March 31. This demand comes in light of rising concerns about crime and safety across the city’s transit system.

Duffy’s letter, which was obtained by The Post, highlights alarming incidents, including violent crimes and fare evasion that have marred the New York City subway experience. He stated, “The trend of violent crime, homelessness, and other threats to public safety on one of our nation’s most prominent metro systems is unacceptable.”

The MTA, which is the nation’s largest transit agency, must demonstrate it is effectively utilizing federal funds to ensure the safety of both passengers and workers, Duffy emphasized. “The expectation is that New York City Transit Authority will address this matter promptly to ensure compliance and avoid further Federal Transit Administration enforcement actions, including redirecting or withholding funding,” he added.

While the specific amount of federal funding at risk remains unclear, transit officials have indicated they rely heavily on federal support for an ambitious capital plan over the next five years. The funding levels are reassessed every five years by Congress, with the next evaluation scheduled for 2026.

The letter requests information about reports of assaults on passengers, incidents of subway surfing — the risky and illegal practice of riding on the roofs of moving trains — and fare evasion, much of which is already public information. “Of key importance will be documentation of actions and funding that ensure effective security for passengers and workers on the NYCT system,” the letter demands.

Transit crime has been a pressing issue in New York City, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent high-profile incidents have intensified public fears regarding safety. Last year’s grievous arson case, resulting in a death on a Coney Island train, has contributed to this anxiety.

In response to increasing public concern, Governor Kathy Hochul has taken measures to bolster security in the subway system, including deploying over 1,000 uniformed public safety personnel and committing significant state funding to ensure police presence on all late-night trains. “Governor Hochul’s top priority is public safety,” a spokesperson stated. “We’re always open to partnering with the federal government on ways to fund New York’s priorities.”

As part of their advocates’ efforts, Hochul announced additional deployments of National Guard troops to assist in transit security, along with the installation of more than 15,000 security cameras across subway cars, showcasing an increased focus on safeguarding passengers.

Despite these initiatives, the numbers around subway crime remain concerning. According to the NYPD, although overall transit crime has decreased nearly 27% compared to the same time frame in 2024, felony assaults so far this year continue to exceed 2019 levels.

“People traveling on the NYCT 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 assurance of a safe working environment,” Duffy stated. “The transit riders and workers of New York City deserve nothing less.”

This letter follows recent tensions between Hochul and the Trump administration regarding congestion pricing. In February, Duffy announced a potential withdrawal of federal approval for the toll program, leading to a lawsuit from the MTA, which indicated that it would continue collecting tolls despite federal demands.

MTA Chief of Policy and External Relations John J. McCarthy responded to Duffy’s letter, stating that they are willing to discuss their ongoing efforts with the NYPD to combat transit crime. “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,” he noted. Additionally, McCarthy pointed out that there were fewer daily major crimes in transit this year than any non-pandemic year so far.