N.Y. Officials Announce Plan to Remove Homeless People From Subways
The New York Times
The plan, which calls for stricter enforcement, also promises to offer more mental-heath services and housing options to people who shelter underground.
Responding to an increase in crime in the New York City subways and concerns from riders about being harassed by people who shelter on trains, Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Friday that they would no longer allow the city’s subway system to be used for anything but transportation.
The New York Police Department will now stringently enforce the subway’s often flouted rules of conduct, they said. Open drug use and smoking will no longer be tolerated. Any rider found sprawled across subway seats will be escorted off the train and offered help.
“No more just doing whatever you want,” Mr. Adams said. “Those days are over. Swipe your MetroCard, ride the system and get off at your destination. That’s what this administration is saying.”