Concerns are rising among New York City transit riders as a series of violent incidents in subways and train stations have left people feeling unsafe.
Philomena Ofosu, a 24-year-old nurse’s aide from the Bronx, shared that she prays for her safety every time she boards the train.
“Nobody is safe out here,” she said. “You never know what can happen in the train. It’s so scary for people to get stabbed on the train. They think they are going somewhere and they get stabbed.”
Brooklyn resident Miranda Drakes, 58, has been carrying pepper spray on the subway since the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the current state of safety concerns in New York City.
Despite efforts by the NYPD and Governor Kathy Hochul to increase security in the metro system, riders remain skeptical about the measures being taken to address the situation.
Junior Reyes from Brooklyn expressed his frustration with the recent incidents, including drug use on the subways, emphasizing the need for more support for mentally ill individuals.
Shabe Davis from the Bronx called for increased security on the subway, highlighting the importance of ensuring the safety of all riders.
International visitors have also been taken aback by the violence in the city, with tourists from Switzerland and Spain expressing shock and fear over recent incidents.
The unsettling atmosphere has led many riders to rethink their safety measures and daily routines on the subway, reflecting a growing sense of unease among New York City commuters.
