With a recent influx of crime in New York City subway stations and trains, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Sept. 22 that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will begin equipping all trains across over 100 stations with camera surveillance. 

The $5.5 million project will bring two cameras to each train car, with the project expected to take until 2025 to complete. The MTA will begin installing cameras in 200 train cars each month until all trains have proper surveillance.

This news comes alongside the recent spike in violent crimes in NYC Subway stations including the recent rape of a tourist on a subway platform and multiple shootings, most notably the shooting in Sunset Park, Brooklyn that left 10 passengers wounded. Currently, there is an existing security network within the MTA of more than 10,000 cameras across the 472 stations, with the new program strengthening the current network. In addition to the installation of the new cameras, all new subway cars bought by the MTA will come pre-equipped. 

This funding is a result of a $2 million award provided by the Urban Area Security Initiative federal grant program, a program under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Preparedness Grants. Additional funding comes from the Subway Action Plan, totaling $3.5 million. 

Gov. Kathy Hochul stated that she is “proud that we will be installing cameras on all subway cars – expanding our security capabilities, deterring crime and providing our law enforcement with support.” 

Despite Gov. Hochul’s excitement, this news comes with slight backlash as well. There are concerns that this additional surveillance will not deter crime as there are already pre-existing cameras in some stations and train cars. Others are concerned about the true purpose of the camera installation and the plans for the information that the MTA will collect and analyze through them. 

However, Gov. Hochul gave a short response to the concerns surrounding the new budget. “If you’re concerned about this, the best answer is don’t commit any crimes on the subway.” With the new safety measures put in motion, the MTA hopes that this will increase business as they have had a decrease in passengers post-pandemic.