NEW YORK (PIX11) -- With the start of congestion pricing in New York City, state officials are focused on improving the subway system. But they admit there’s a problem—many people aren’t feeling safe.
On the first workday of the new MTA tolls, the NYPD unveiled a plan to change that perception, but there are fierce headwinds.
"I have five stab wounds—one to my head, one to my shoulder, and three near my ribs," said Marqeise Imbert, who began New Year’s Day being viciously attacked on the subway.
Police are still hunting for the masked suspect who was spitting on the 1 train.
"He was laid out on the seats and spitting on a crowded train," Imbert recalled. "He said, 'I’ll spit on you,' and he got off behind me."
Still bandaged and banged up, the 30-year-old victim is hopeful the NYPD’s new subway safety plan will have a positive impact after a violent few weeks.
"Especially because, in the past five days, there have been continuous attacks on the subway," said Kevin Cardenas, another commuter.
The safety plan coincides with the start of congestion pricing. The MTA is hoping commuters choose the subways instead of driving.
"Some of these high-profile incidents have gotten in people’s heads and make the whole system feel less safe," said Janno Lieber, MTA Chairman and CEO on Bloomberg Surveillance, Monday morning.
"We still must do more because people don’t feel safe in our subways," said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Over the last year, the NYPD has discovered that three-quarters of all transit crimes happen on subway cars and station platforms. Tisch just ordered 200 more police officers to ride on trains with passengers.
"They could be at Grand Central, but what about Elmhurst? They’re not there," said Carlos Noboa, a subway rider.
Police pledge to be citywide, staffing the 50 most dangerous stations with more officers. The NYPD has yet to respond to an inquiry into which stations they’re focusing on. However, crime statistics show Manhattan and the Bronx saw the most incidents last year.
The mayor admits there’s a problem yet to be solved.
"We have to tackle that perception, and it has to do with mental health," said Mayor Eric Adams.
The mayor says he spoke with Governor Kathy Hochul this past weekend, and she’s focused on including funding for mental health in the next budget.
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