New York City’s overall crime picture may be improving slightly, but many subway riders are still feeling uneasy underground as major transit crime rises in several parts of the city.
According to newly reported NYPD data, major crimes on subways and buses increased in multiple patrol boroughs in 2026, even as the citywide major-crime total was down by about 1%. The numbers have raised fresh concerns among commuters who rely on the transit system every day.
The biggest increase was reported in Bronx North, where transit-related major crime rose by 32%. Manhattan North saw a 25% increase, while Bronx South was up 17% and Brooklyn South rose 16%. Queens South also reported a smaller increase of 3%.
However, not every patrol area saw a rise. Declines in southern Manhattan and northern Brooklyn helped bring down the overall citywide total, creating a mixed picture for public safety in New York City.
The data suggests that while overall crime may be trending slightly lower citywide, the experience of subway riders can vary depending on where they travel. For commuters in areas seeing sharp increases, the statistics may not feel like good news.
Felony assaults in the transit system reportedly rose by 4%, while robberies jumped by 10%. Police officials said some of the robbery increase has been connected to young offenders, including suspects as young as 12 years old.
Transit safety remains one of the most important issues for New Yorkers. Millions of people use the subway and bus system every day for work, school, errands, and travel. Even a small increase in violence underground can have a major impact on public confidence.
Some riders say they have noticed more disorder, drug use, and aggressive behavior inside stations and on trains. Others say the presence of police officers helps them feel safer, but they still worry about traveling late at night or during crowded summer conditions.
Recent violent incidents have added to those concerns. One reported stabbing at the Fordham Road station has become part of the broader debate over whether the subway system is truly safe for everyday riders.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch has emphasized that the NYPD is continuing to make arrests and recover illegal weapons in the transit system. Officials also pointed to a record number of firearms recovered in transit so far this year as evidence that police are targeting serious threats.
Still, public perception remains a challenge. Even when overall crime numbers fall, high-profile subway attacks can make riders feel unsafe. For many New Yorkers, safety is not only about statistics — it is about whether they feel comfortable standing on a platform, sitting in a train car, or walking through a station at night.
The latest numbers show the complicated reality of crime in New York City. Citywide crime may be slightly down, but the subway system continues to face serious problems in certain areas.
For commuters, the message is mixed. Some neighborhoods and transit zones are seeing improvement, while others are dealing with sharp increases in robberies, assaults, and other major crimes.
As the summer continues, subway safety is likely to remain a major focus for city leaders, police officials, and riders. The challenge for the NYPD will be not only reducing crime overall, but also making sure New Yorkers feel safe in every borough and every station.
