While New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) chief Janno Lieber points to a decrease in overall crime statistics compared to pre-pandemic levels, recent high-profile incidents in the subway system have fueled public anxiety surrounding safety. In an interview on Bloomberg News' "Bloomberg Talks" podcast, Lieber discussed the new congestion pricing plan aimed at encouraging public transit use, while acknowledging the impact of recent attacks on public perception.

Lieber stated that crime in the subway system was down 12.5% in 2024 compared to 2019, but conceded that "terrible attacks" have negatively impacted public perception. He stressed the importance of the justice system holding perpetrators accountable, particularly repeat offenders. He also emphasized that while these incidents are statistically few, their impact on the feeling of safety is significant and needs to be addressed.

The implementation of congestion pricing comes on the heels of several disturbing incidents, including a woman being set on fire and a man being pushed onto the tracks. These events, along with the recent acquittal of Daniel Penny in the Jordan Neely case, have further intensified the debate about safety and justice in the city's subway system.

Governor Kathy Hochul has responded to the rise in concern by deploying National Guard troops to patrol the subway and mandating the installation of security cameras in subway cars. These measures aim to address the public's safety concerns and restore confidence in the transit system.