The NYPD says 2025 was the safest year for the subways since 2009, outside the pandemic years.

They say 77 firearms were taken off the streets, shooting victims dropped by 78.6%, and major crime decreased by 4% in 2025.

NYPD's Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta says safety was the mission for 2025.

“We saw a sense of lawlessness in the city and on the subway and that’s something we really wanted to address," said Gulotta.

But he says it's not just about the numbers.

“To me, the numbers are great. We could talk about numbers all day, but that's not the story for me. The story is do people feel safe on the subway system? And that's our main goal," said Gulotta.

When asked if people feel safe, riders like Abner were sure.

“Yea, I do," said Abner.

But riders like Jason Rochez felt differently.

 “Generally, no I wouldn’t feel safe and I wouldn’t call it safe," said Rochez.

Increased police presence, technology, and partnership with local District Attorney's Offices are all things Gulotta is crediting for the decrease. He also says riders can do their part to stay safe by staying alert and aware. As for 2026, the city hopes these numbers will keep trending down but says they're always open to what riders have to say.