Statement by Pres. Richard Davis on Gov. Hochul's new Subway Safety Initiatives
Governor Hochul’s announcement to put police officers on every overnight subway train is a win for common sense and safety. Transit workers have been saying for years: the system needs better protection—not just for the millions of riders but for the men and women who keep it moving 24/7.
Our members face the realities of the subway system every single day. They’ve been threatened, harassed, and attacked, all while doing their jobs. This plan, which focuses on increasing police presence during the overnight hours, is the kind of action we’ve been demanding. It’s a step in the right direction.
But this is not the finish line. We need more than a six-month trial. We need sustained and serious investment in safety—not just in the overnight hours but across the system, all the time. TWU Local 100 will keep fighting to make sure that happens.
We’re glad to see Governor Hochul taking our concerns seriously. Now we need the MTA and all decision-makers to step up and meet the same standard of urgency. As we have heard countless politicians and state and city officials acknowledge: Transit Workers are the lifeblood of this city, and their safety is non-negotiable.
Richard Davis
President, TWU Local 100