New York Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a $77 million strategy to combat subway crime, including new "turnstile spikes" and increased police presence. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has started installing these metal sheets with sharp edges on turnstile guardrails to deter fare evasion, which costs the agency an estimated $700 million annually. However, initial observations at the Lexington Avenue 59th Street Station, where the spikes have been implemented, suggest that determined fare evaders can still bypass them by placing their hands on top or ducking underneath.

Some riders have criticized the spikes as ineffective and a waste of resources. The MTA also employs private security guards at a cost of $1 million per month, but these guards lack the authority to make arrests. Governor Hochul's plan also includes installing higher turnstiles at 40 stations. The pilot program for the spikes at 59th Street is part of this broader initiative.

In addition to addressing fare evasion, Governor Hochul's plan aims to enhance overall safety in the subway system. This includes deploying 750 additional police officers, bringing the total to over 3,250, and assigning 300 officers specifically to trains between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. These numbers are in addition to the approximately 1,000 National Guard members already present in the system. Hochul emphasized that this effectively doubles law enforcement personnel in the subway system within a year.

Recent incidents, including a subway fire and a person pushed onto the tracks, have heightened concerns about safety. The governor's plan also allocates funding for platform edge barriers at over 100 stations and improved LED lighting throughout the system to increase visibility and security. Furthermore, 24/7 "Welcome Centers" near end-of-line stations will be expanded to provide resources for the homeless.