NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) – Commuters will see multiple safety upgrades coming to New York City subways as part of investments from the state budget.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced budget investments to increase public safety and fund infrastructure improvements for the MTA on Thursday.
The state plans to increase police presence on the subway platforms and trains for six months with a $77 million partnership with the NYPD. In addition, the state will invest another $45 million in funding the National Guard Empire Shield mission to deter and prevent terrorist activity at commuter hubs.
“When it comes to keeping New Yorkers safe - I refuse to back down, and that is why I fought for a budget that is delivering on my promises to add more police in our subways, invests in crucial safety upgrades, and cracks down on shameless fare evaders,” Hochul said.
To help address homelessness and mental health in the subways, the governor also announced the deployment of Safe Options Support (SOS) teams and expanding outreach services by the city’s Department of Homeless Services.
Along with tackling safety and mental health in the subways, Hochul announced full funding of the MTA’s proposed Capital Plan to build the Interborough Express, install more platform barriers and LED lighting, and add new fare gate systems in more than 150 subway stations.
Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.
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