N.Y. Officials Announce Plan to Remove Homeless People From Subways
New York Times
Responding to an increase in crime in the New York City subways and concerns from riders about being harassed by people who shelter on trains, Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Friday that they would no longer allow the city’s subway system to be used for anything but transportation.
The New York Police Department will now stringently enforce the subway’s often flouted rules of conduct, they said. Open drug use and smoking will no longer be tolerated. Any rider found sprawled across subway seats will be escorted off the train and offered help.
“No more just doing whatever you want,” Mr. Adams said. “Those days are over. Swipe your MetroCard, ride the system and get off at your destination. That’s what this administration is saying.”
The new effort, which is detailed in a document released Friday called The Subway Safety Plan, goes into effect next week, Mr. Adams said. The plan also contains measures aimed at connecting people who shelter in the subways to mental-health services and to permanent housing.
The Subway Safety Plan