Most New Yorkers require the subway station to commute to work, school, or their homes. It is the most basic means of travel. But what happens when we don’t feel safe using this mode of transportation? After the Brooklyn subway shooting, the NYPD said that they would double its subway patrols and install weapon-detecting technology to subway entryways. Still, so many horror stories have been told about a time when the people of New York did not feel protected and even had their safety threatened while riding the train since that incident occurred. Here is Anthony Castro’s horrifying story:
“I had a very traumatizing experience in the NYC subway station on the night of May 1st, 2019. It was around 10 pm, I was coming from the Bronx and heading to Lincoln center. I had to transfer from the D line to the 1 train on 59th street. When the train arrived, I entered the end of a subway car. As I entered the subway car, I notice that the car was full, but the left side of the subway car was nearly empty. I saw what seemed like a homeless person sitting down in the less crowded area. He was mumbling words to himself and seemed intoxicated. Everyone in the subway car looked like they were trying to avoid him. But I just decided to stand in front of him since it was less crowded. Right before the doors closed, another individual came in behind me. He stood right in front of the closing doors facing me. I got the sense that everyone was staring at me, especially the individual who came in behind me. Right as we’re arriving at the next station, the individual in front of me yelled, “watch out, he’s gonna try to hurt you,”. As he yelled, he pushed me to the side and grabbed the attacker’s hand. He tried to attack me with an ax. People were yelling and screaming. As the train arrived to the 66th street station, the cops were already on the scene. The cops immediately apprehend the attacker, ceasing multiple weapons. I didn’t realize that the entire time everyone staring, was trying to alert me. The next time I had to take the train to go to work, I was uncomfortable and uneasy. At this point, I had made the decision to take other Ubers as transportation. I didn’t care about the cost. I just knew I couldn’t get on the train anymore.”
We have many reported incidents involving shootings, stabbings and inappropriate behavior taking place in the NYC train stations just like Anthony’s story. Here is Wilbert Negron’s story about how the NYC transit system has become a nightmare:
“Living in New York City all my life, one marvels at all the lights and grandeur this city has to offer. I intended to explore this city during my high school years and once I learned to use the transit system, everywhere was a destination. Years of traveling and I was well versed in my beloved city but something inexplainable happened – she changed. The more I saw the news, the more cruelties were being committed and some were happening in the trains and buses I so loved very much. As time passed by, the transit system here in NYC fostered a negative reputation for becoming a cesspool of inappropriate acts committed by broken and sick people. Many people have become victims of misbehavior and unfortunately, trending news in the city involve tragedies happening in the transit system. We have endured numerous fare hikes, delays on vehicles at all sorts of times, the closing of stations, the limiting of services, and the safety of its riders or lack thereof but never have I felt as afraid to take a train/bus as I do now. I have not personally endured any personal aggression or offense from anyone while on the train/bus, but I have seen how it affects daily commuters and how it has instilled fear/anger in the hearts of many. The perks of not having to look for parking, pay for gas and tolls, maintenance and upkeep of the car has become the ultimatum overpaying $2.75 to take a vehicle that may render an unsafe trip home. As much of a NYC experience as this, it hurts that I no longer wish to share this expression because my safety and peace matters more than my devotion to this city and all it has to offer.”
Many have taken steps to reduce or completely stop subway use. NYC transit has become more of a burden than a useful form of transportation. So, what next steps will city officials take to make the transit system safe again?