Subway riders more worried about crime than coronavirus

NEW YORK - A new MTA survey of more than 33,000 active and lapsed New York City subway riders shows customers are increasingly concerned about crime and harassment in the subway system, even though its statistics indicate transit crime is down about 63% compared to last year. Ridership is also down because of the pandemic.

While overall crime is down, there were 2 murders in the subway system in February compared to none in the same month last year.

36% of those surveyed who rode subways pre-pandemic say they don’t do so now because of crime and harassment.

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72% of active riders say they are "very concerned" with crime and harassment, which is more than those who say they’re "very concerned" about cleanliness (55%), social distancing (60%), mask-wearing (69%), and health safety (64%).

"Our customer survey data could not be more clear: concerns over safety are top of mind for current riders, and for those looking to return to transit," said Abbey Collins, MTA spokeswoman.

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Transport Workers Union Local 100 President Tony Utano issued a statement saying:  "Riders and transit workers are safer, and feel safer when they see uniformed police officers on platforms and trains - and buses. Transit workers are sick and tired of being attacked and menaced."

FOX 5's Robert Moses also contributed to this report.