NEW YORK — After the NYPD reported an increase in transit crime during September 2021, the department reported a reduction in major felonies documented for October 2021.

The September numbers were fueled in part by a 50% increase in theft cases across the city’s subway system during September, but the NYPD on Monday said that it had better news for MTA Board members and riders.

“Year to date crime remains down in the subway system with 181 fewer incidents,” NYPD Transit Bureau Assistant Chief Vincent Coogan said.

The latest crime statistics from the NYPD also showed an improvement in the number of major felonies occurring in the city’s subway system between September and October of this year. Specifically, its report showed there had been a reduction in the overall major felonies reported at the MTA’s nearly 475 subway stations, even with an increase to overall ridership.

In October 2021, 161 major felonies were reported, down from 184 the month prior.

Breaking those numbers down, the NYPD said there were fewer robberies, grand larcenies and felony assaults between October and September.

“Subway patrols have continued to result in the successful arrest of people who have committed crimes,” Coogan said.

Even so, subway riders Monday evening had mixed reactions over how they perceive safety in the city’s subway system. People who identified themselves as being lifelong New York City residents seemed to form their views based on personal experience rather than on monthly statistics.

“I feel safe, you know, personally, but I could see why people don’t,” Brooklyn resident Tremaine Kizer said. "A lot goes on. You just have to be aware of your surroundings."

“Respectfully, the subway is really not safe,” Bronx resident Royalty T. Mays said. "Honestly, nowhere is safe."

“You see people beating up people, jumping on people, doing all sorts of crazy stuff,” Bronx resident Nicole Jaugon said.

Another common thread among those who spoke with NY1 was that how safe they feel on the subway sometimes depends on what time of day.

“I feel safe in the mornings. I definitely don't feel safe at night,” Manhattan resident Lindsay Kawe said.

According to the NYPD, they have added to the number of officers within the transit system since the summer months. At Monday’s meeting, they also confirmed that the roughly 1,100 officers that were added to the subway system in recent months were still deployed at stations across the city.

One rider said these officers have made her feel safe while riding the train.

“There are police everywhere in case something happens, and it hasn’t been that bad,” said Emily Talerman, a Long Island University Brooklyn student.

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