Turnstile ‘spikes’ installed in NYC’s crime-ridden subways as Hochul beefs up police presence
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has taken a bold step in addressing subway crime with a $77 million plan aimed at cracking down on fare evaders and enhancing safety measures within the city’s transit system. This initiative comes at a time when the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is also implementing new tactics to combat revenue loss from individuals who skip payment.
One of the key components of the MTA’s strategy involves the installation of “spikes” on turnstiles in certain subway stations. These metal sheets with sharp edges are designed to prevent fare beaters from using handrails for leverage when attempting to jump over the turnstiles. However, some riders have criticized the spikes, noting that they are not very sharp and that evaders can still find ways to bypass them by either jumping over or ducking underneath.
In addition to the spike installation, the MTA has been spending approximately $1 million per month on private unarmed security guards to deter fare evasion. Despite these efforts, the guards lack the authority to apprehend individuals who dodge payment, posing a challenge in effectively addressing the issue.
Gov. Hochul’s plan focuses on installing modern high-rise turnstiles at 40 stations to prevent fare evasion. The spike rollout at the Lexington Avenue 59th Street Station, servicing multiple train lines, may be part of this larger initiative. Hochul emphasized that fare evaders cost the MTA an estimated $700 million annually, with a significant portion attributed to the subway system.
To enhance safety and security on the subway, Hochul announced the deployment of 750 additional police officers to patrol the system, with 300 officers assigned to overnight shifts between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. The governor highlighted recent incidents of violence on subways, including a shocking case of a woman being set on fire and burned to death on a train.
In addition to increased law enforcement presence, Hochul unveiled plans to install edge barriers on platforms at over 100 stations to prevent falls or incidents of individuals being pushed onto tracks. LED lighting will also be installed in all subway stations to improve visibility and create a safer environment for riders.
As part of the comprehensive approach to addressing subway crime, Hochul announced the expansion of a 24/7 “Welcome Center” near end-of-line stations to provide support for homeless individuals. These efforts aim to enhance security, reduce crime, and improve the overall experience for subway riders in New York City.
Overall, Gov. Hochul’s plan represents a significant investment in enhancing subway safety and combating fare evasion, signaling a commitment to ensuring a secure and efficient transit system for all New Yorkers.
