Fact Check: Only 22% of New Yorkers feel safe on the subway at night.

Fact Check: "Only 22% of New Yorkers feel safe on the subway at night."

What We Know

Recent surveys indicate that a significant portion of New Yorkers express concerns about safety on the subway, particularly at night. According to the Citizens Budget Commission, only 22% of New Yorkers feel somewhat or very safe on the subway at night in 2025. This statistic reflects a notable decline from previous years, where the percentage was higher. For instance, in 2017, 46% of residents felt safe at night on the subway, highlighting a significant drop in public confidence regarding subway safety over the years. Additionally, during the day, 51% of New Yorkers reported feeling safe on the subway, which is also a decrease from earlier figures (source-3).

Analysis

The claim that "only 22% of New Yorkers feel safe on the subway at night" is supported by multiple reputable sources. The Citizens Budget Commission's survey, which gathered responses from over 1,700 residents, provides a comprehensive view of public sentiment regarding safety in New York City (source-2). This survey is particularly reliable as it reflects a broad demographic, capturing diverse perspectives across income, race, and boroughs.

Other news outlets, such as the New York Post and CBS News, corroborate these findings, emphasizing the alarming safety ratings for subway travel at night. The consistency across these sources adds to the credibility of the claim, as they all reference the same survey data.

However, it is essential to consider potential biases in reporting. While the Citizens Budget Commission is a non-profit organization focused on fiscal and public policy issues, media outlets may have varying editorial slants that could influence how they present the data. Nevertheless, the core statistic remains consistent across these reports, indicating a genuine concern among New Yorkers regarding subway safety.

Conclusion

The claim that "only 22% of New Yorkers feel safe on the subway at night" is Partially True. While the statistic is accurate and well-supported by multiple sources, it is important to contextualize it within the broader trends of public safety perceptions in New York City. The significant decline in feelings of safety since 2017 underscores ongoing concerns that may not be fully captured by a single statistic.

Fact Check: Only 22% of New Yorkers feel safe on the subway at night.