Empire State Review Team 
Duffy Critiques NYC Subway System, Urges Improvements
NEW YORK – U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy recently intensified his critique of the New York City subway system, referring to it as a “s***hole” during a public appearance. This statement was made while Duffy was inspecting sinkholes on Route 80, where he responded candidly to media inquiries regarding the condition of the subway.
Concerns Over Safety and Maintenance
Duffy’s comments were directed at New York Governor Kathy Hochul, accusing her administration of neglecting the safety and cleanliness of the subway system. Highlighting the importance of transportation systems being welcoming, he stated, “If you want people to take the train, take transit, then make it safe, make it clean, make it beautiful, make it wonderful. Don’t make it a s***hole, which is what she’s done. And she can fix it in hours.”
Federal Oversight and Accountability
This outburst follows Duffy’s recent insistence that federal funding for New York’s mass transit system could be withheld or redirected unless he receives thorough documentation outlining the government’s initiatives to combat crime and improve safety for both riders and transit workers. His demands were conveyed in a letter to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), where he sought accountability on issues such as assault on transit personnel, fare evasion, and other criminal activities affecting the subway environment.
The Debate on Subway Safety
Duffy’s allegations sparked a response from both the MTA and transit advocates. Despite incidents of high-profile crime, officials maintain that the overall safety of the subway is improving. Danny Pearlstein, communications director of the Riders Alliance, voiced a counterpoint, suggesting that constructive engagement and investment, rather than criticism, would better serve the system.
Crime Trends in Public Transit
Statistics from law enforcement indicate a downward trend in major crimes within the subway system, with overall crime reportedly decreasing by 40% compared to pre-pandemic figures from 2020. Here’s a breakdown of some relevant crime data:
- Overall Crime: Crime has decreased significantly since the pandemic, reflecting positive trends.
- Violent Crime: With millions of daily riders, violent crime remains infrequent. Currently, the NYPD reports 382 crimes this year in the transit system, including various offenses.
- Felony Assaults: While major felonies have shown an overall decline, the number of assaults increased from 373 in 2019 to 579 in 2024, according to police data.
Public Sentiment on Subway Conditions
The public’s perception of subway conditions continues to evolve. Recently, FOX 5 NY gathered opinions from commuters regarding Duffy’s remarks. Reactions varied, with some expressing doubts about the transit system’s improvement while others pointed out visible issues like homelessness:
- One commuter commented, “I don’t necessarily think [the subways] have gotten worse, but I would say I don’t have faith in Eric Adams to do anything about it.”
- Another noted, “It’s not perfect. Mainly the flaws are a lot of homeless. If you go downstairs, they’re usually right here, and they can ride the train. I don’t think it’s that bad, but it has its flaws.”
- A different voice remarked, “It’s just a big city. There’s a lot of people. It’s just unavoidable.”
Conclusion
As discussions about subway safety and cleanliness continue, the dialogue between state officials, federal authorities, and the public is crucial in fostering actionable improvements to New York’s subway system.
The Source: This article integrates reporting from the Associated Press, direct comments from Transportation Secretary Duffy, and insights from New Yorkers.
