NYC Transit Crime Surges Nearly 20% as Subway Ejections Paused for Extreme Cold

NYPD says the spike in offenses coincided with record low temperatures and a pause in removing rule-breaking passengers from the transit system

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Transit crime in New York City spiked nearly 20% in February as the NYPD paused ejections of rule-breaking passengers from the subway system due to extreme cold weather. The department said it booted 61% fewer misbehaving riders compared to January, leading to a rise in offenses including felony assaults and grand larcenies.

Why it matters

The increase in transit crime highlights the challenges the NYPD faces in maintaining order and safety in the subway system, especially during extreme weather events when standard enforcement tactics may be limited. It also raises questions about the department's policies around removing disruptive passengers and the potential trade-offs between public safety and protecting vulnerable riders from harsh conditions.

The details

According to NYPD data, there were more than 190 offenses reported underground last month, an 18.5% jump from February 2025. About 27% of the crimes were felony assaults, while over half were non-violent grand larcenies. The department said the spike coincided with record cold temperatures and snowfall that gripped the city, leading them to pause ejections from the transit system for rule violations.

  • In February, there were 19 days with below-freezing temperatures in New York City.
  • On February 9, a 41-year-old man was shot dead on a subway platform in the Bronx.
  • On February 12, a Yeshiva student was assaulted at a subway stop in Manhattan.

The players

NYPD

The New York City Police Department, responsible for law enforcement and public safety in the city's subway system.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, who faced backlash over the outdoor deaths of at least 19 New Yorkers during a recent winter storm.

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What they’re saying

“Once again, the NYPD is demonstrating how targeted, data driven policing is reducing crime and keeping communities safe.”

— Jessica Tisch, NYPD Commissioner (NYPD)

What’s next

The NYPD has said it will review its policies around removing disruptive passengers from the subway system, particularly during extreme weather events, to balance public safety and rider protection.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the delicate balance the NYPD must strike between maintaining order in the transit system and ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable riders during harsh winter conditions. It underscores the need for flexible, data-driven policies that can adapt to changing circumstances while upholding the department's core mission.