Reducing(and maybe Eliminating) Crime in NYC's Subway

After watching a couple videos on YouTube about NYC crime, and most recently seeing one on the Subway system, I had some ideas to revamp the system to 1) Make it as safe as possible for everyone, 2) Prevent people from skipping fares, and in my next post, 3) Reducing the homeless population.

Skipping Fares

Idea 1

People skipping fares are likely also people who are contributing to crime or homelessness, so that should be dealt with first. It could be modeled off of a military base gate setup. Guards are both in front of and behind the gate. A K-9 could be behind the gate as well to chase down any runners that somehow manage to make it through. A secondary wall or barricade could go up, though that may be difficult with the other people going through..It depends. Something slow enough and far enough in that people would have time to get over it, and that it has a slope on top to safely push a wheelchair across might work.

Idea 2

Another idea that I originally had was 2-3 automatic gates per lane that once people scan their State ID or Driver's License (which is what fare will be loaded onto, or they have to scan their ID, then swipe their fare card...but eventually just an ID card would be more efficient). I think that there should also be 1-2 attendants, so that if someone is having an error with their card, the attendants in a booth behind the gates can speak to them, tell them what the error is, and how to remedy it. This gate system could have two or three automatic gates per lane to prevent people from sliding in, so that if they did get through one gate, the system would not open the next gate, and instead would open the previous gate for them to exit, while also not accepting fare from the payee so that they could try again after the problem is resolved. The attendants in the booth could check the camera for the line and confirm or deny a system error of say a mom and a stroller registering as two people. A help button could be pressed in between any gate, with the attendants having a manual mode that completely shuts down the automatic functions so that gates can be swung open freely to prevent anyone from getting trapped.

With these multi-gate lanes and ID card registering, adding facial recognition to the cameras that paired a face to an ID card would identify a criminal before they could commit a crime. Even if they did go in and do something, the cameras all throughout the subway from entrance, on the subway, to exit, could match the picture to the face, or video recordings would show who it was before they covered their face. Again, people could get more elaborate by going into a restroom and changing clothes and covering their face there, but that could still be tracked to an extent, seeing who goes into and who comes out of different areas after the fact. Guards could monitor the system in real time, so that when they see crime happening, there are police waiting at the exit/entrance to apprehend them. If entrances and exits were the same, it would greatly reduce the number of guards needed. If not, they could have to swipe an ID card to exit as well, and do so in a similar gated fashion, so that the system registers the entire time they were there, from start to finish.

The first gate would have the ID scan, fare, facial recognition, and fingerprint scan. These could be split between two gates, but they all work from the same electrical source, so better together. Plus, if you do fail one of these, your exit is easier with only going back through one gate. The second gate would lead to the bag check/metal detectors.

An extra step would be ordering an amount of fare from a person instead of a machine. It would be like ordering a ticket at the movie theater, where seats are chosen and assigned, nothing is overcrowded or standing room only. Another option would be to ask where the person is going on their current trip if fare is already paid in advance to be documented as well (which would be necessary each time if seats are reserved and tickets are given. It would be treated more like a train, and could have higher tier cabins that are more expensive versus lower tier that are better than fairly standard. I think a facelift for the subway would reset people's attitudes as well. Some cars might be able to be rented as business cars, like a mobile nail salon. You would pay for a subway ticket as well as a nail package at the entrance, or could make reservations in advance, perhaps on a website. Another option would be to have a nail technician on each car, and those who opt to have it on that trip can swipe their fare card or credit card at the table before service. Of course, you'd have to make sure it was a smooth enough route and that it could be done in that amount of time of the ride. Massages for shoulders and neck in those sitting up chairs are also options, or maybe even prepaid massage chairs could be reserved. Restaurant cars could also be a thing, or sports bar sorts of cars to keep up with the game while traveling. The rest of the cars could be fairly standard, but renewed with comfort and style, like ergonomic seating. I was also thinking that, depending on how long the A train (or others, the ones that go over 30 miles) take, perhaps a theater car could be created. I'm not sure how popular it would be, but having an entertainment car or something for those longer trips might be good.

With the aforementioned reservations, there would need to be someone or something checking tickets at the door. Each secondary gate could have a ticket scanner. If someone is at the wrong gate, it could tell them to go left or right x number of doors to get to the correct one. Each gate would have an associated number labeled on the entrance. It would be similar to airlines in that way, but would need a quick entry, like everyone loaded within 5 minutes.

Safety

As mentioned in skipping fares, officers both in and out of the gate, maybe a K-9, a new, multi-gate entrance and exit lanes with attendants, cameras with facial recognition (perhaps through Real ID like Walmart Spark and other platforms use to verify drivers) where you have to swipe your ID and have it matched to your face to enter, and a system that tracks everyone so that any potential criminal is already identified and can be apprehended at the exit, their residence, or elsewhere (whatever is the case), but would be blocked from using the subway ever again.

Here I will go into a bit more detail on each.

Gate Setup

So the gates could be set up in a few different ways.

1) You could scan ID, verify ID, and pay fare before entering any gate.

2) You could enter the first gate and do all this, then proceed; I think this makes the most sense.

3) I don't think proceeding to the 2nd or last gate then verifying is a good idea, in case someone decides to freak out in the lane before being identified.

2 (enter the first gate then verify/pay) makes the most sense for adult riders.

1 makes the most sense for a woman with children, who would have to go through a slightly different process since more than one person needs to go through the gate. There could be an alternative app process where kids and their pictures are registered in the app, then you can scan the barcode for the fare and children, and walk through together, but I could see this being used to smuggle in criminals, so that isn't really a great idea. Or, kids could be issued State ID cards and go through the process, but outside of the gate or in a large family-sized lane. Then 2 would be able to be used, and would probably give the mother a better sense of safety anyways since the gate keeps all the kids together while her focus is on scanning.

ID Scanning

You could scan the ID (front and back barcode) by placing it on a screen, then flipping it over. If it doesn't scan for whatever reason, the attendant can manually input the information. Alternatively, AI could be trained to do this for faster service, with an attendant checking for error before submittal.

Facial Recognition

After scanning the ID, a small screen with a front camera (like a tablet, but simpler) would guide you to use the Real ID Platform by taking a front and both sides picture, then verify it with your ID as is done on the Spark driver platform (Delivery driving for Walmart (and a few other stores I think but mostly Walmart)). It only takes a few seconds. The ID and Face will be paired and from there, cameras/guards/police reviewing video will be able to track you/your appearance from there. This could also track the amount of time each person has been in the subway, with an alert to the guards after exceeding a certain amount of time of not entering the subway or whatnot. Also, if someone did happen to get in somehow, the cameras wouldn't be able to identify the person and would flag them, which then could lead to a 'random ID and ticket check' which can be called in to the security guards at the cameras to check if they were registered and it was just a glitch, or if they found an alternative way in around the security.

Fingerprint Scanning

The last possible security addition could be a fingerprint scanner next to the card swipe. Police have already captured many finger prints, and this would not only expand their database, but also let them be on alert if a prior offender was attempting to enter.

Guards

These would be on alert for masks, suspicious behavior, and could also do bag checks/metal detector checks. There could be one for each lane. There would also be security guards along with AI monitoring live video for suspicious activity like pickpockets, bombs, tracking a criminal, and other threats.

On Weapons

By not allowing weapons, a hostage situation to get out of the subway is much less likely. Of course, there would still be a threat of it outside the subway, but people could still take non-lethal weapons like pepper spray or perhaps even a taser instead of a gun. Or, instead of limiting everything lethal, it could just be limited to whatever is the biggest problem (no guns or no knives, etc.). Though really anything can be used as a weapon with intention to hurt someone, at least the main culprits would be out of the equation. Since many will want to keep their guns for outside of the subway, at the very least, everyone who has a gun could be tracked as having one with them, which, if a shooting incident is unclear, might could narrow down who had one, its description, etc.

Though these methods would be more time consuming, what money is spent on it would make it a whole lot safer.

The Tracks

The tracks are just not very safe being so exposed. Taking the time to have a fence and secondary sliding door system would likely benefit a lot of people, and perhaps could have prevented a lot of falling onto the tracks, be it purposeful or accidental. Having the train pull up to an exact point that lines up the doors properly, as well as using cameras at each door to make sure they're lined up might work to park manually. Or a conductor could use a self-parking technique like Tesla's Full Self Driving (FSD) does.

 Of course, there would need to be fire and emergency protocol where the doors would swing open if a button is pressed, but with the security measures in place, likely a guard would be able to do it, and not have it made available to the public to prevent purposeful falls. On the other hand, having a button to press that signals the conductor that something is wrong with the tracks ahead could also help them stop sooner and possibly prevent death or injury. If the ceilings are quite tall and the fences could be climbed, then guards would have to make sure people didn't bring anything like rope to help them climb over (and also, no moving furniture and things on the subway, people will have to rent a uHaul or have it delivered because there are some giant things people take that I've seen on YouTube I think awhile back). What the material is made of for the main gate matters. I was thinking chainlink, but in case of malfunction, it isn't able to be broken through easily. There could be emergency chain cutters kept on the interior though. Glass could and would be broken over and over again, so it has to be something durable, not easily bendable or slipped under or through, and also escapable in case of electrical malfunction (emergency fence cutters on the inside at least).

On Extra Time

I get that everyone is in a rush, but planning an extra ten minutes to get through security, choose a seat, and wait for the subway to park and the secondary safety doors to open is worth the lives saved. Plus, with all the added amenities, surely people can look past the few extra minutes. And with the already instated bag checks, people are probably used to leaving a little earlier than usual to get through security.

Poverty and Homelessness in the Subway

Eradicating all homeless and fare skippers from the subway is possible, but it doesn't fix the problem of homelessness and poverty or crime itself. With all of the barriers to entry, if you can't afford it, you won't be finding a way around it. If guards and AI are tracking the people and their times spent in each place, loitering won't be an option. And with random ID and ticket checks, that should eliminate all issues.

Cost

With the billions spent on it, cost should not be an issue. Here are some of the costs listed without a price.

Hiring and training 1-2 entry attendants for each gate per shift (need total number of attendants/shifts, yearly wage)

Managers (attendants, rentals, etc.)

Custodial staff per train car depending on car's use (or that may be for a business, depends)

Ticket attendants (3-4 per station, or depending on popularity and rush hour, or create a system to purchase and reserve ahead of time while retrieving the physical ticket after scanning phone)

Creating a booth and installing the tech in it for each entry attendant to talk to each customer/control each gate/reset face id in case of glitch/etc.

Installing Face ID and fingerprint scanners in each lane

Installing Gates/Fences

Emergency Wire Cutters at each

Emergency Buttons

Police

Guards to check bags/pat downs/man the metal detectors (basically the TSA with less strict guidelines)/etc.

Facelift for subway stations and exterior of the trains

Changing the interior of the train cars (though ticket sales of specialty cars would eventually pay this back albeit slowly in the long term)

Advertising for businesses to be within the cars (though would generate rental money and eventually make back what was spent in the short-term; also showing ads on screens within the cars as is already done generates some money)

Ways to Make Money Outside of General and Special Tickets

Ads within screens in the trains

Business rentals of space within the trains (maybe a store takes up half a train car and then seats 10-20 in other half depending on size, so people can shop and then ride). They did something similar on a fashion show (Making the Cut) but it wasn't in a real train.

Space rental to short order food stores within subway station (customers order on a screen, orders are given through a window when done, almost zero contact except to verify customer before giving order, similar to DoorDash pickups, and no way for people to steal). Could order prepackaged products like snacks, or be fast food like 7 11 or McDonalds. (Be sure to have enough trash cans around, including on cars that attendants check at each stop preferably.)

Ice Cream or Hot Dog Carts, or some other type of cart that makes rounds to the nearby park and station

Vending Machines or renting space to a vending machine vendor.

Beautification of the Station

-Murals that represent NY on some walls

-Screens with announcements from the city, local community (like free events or nearby rec centers), and where to get help if needed for different common ailments or social issues, or job training/fairs/etc., library events, etc. whatever is closest to that stop.

-Artists can still set up instruments at the lines area, so long as it isn't too loud (the attendants need to be heard by customers if rung in the gate); there could be a round area with small stages with enough space between to prevent too much interference between them to support pedalers, artists, musicians, magicians, statues, dancers, and whatever other type of street performer you may find.

Beautification of the Subway

Night Experience

You could go with fun things like eyeball headlights like I've seen for cars. They could have underglow, and the station itself could be white with GoVee lights lining the ceilings for a mood lighting at night. The interior of the cars could also go into a 'Dark Mode' with singular lights at each seat like in a car or airplane. The city lacks stars because of lights, but they could be projected in real time with actual names next to them. There are apps with this that could probably be worked with to put their map on the ceiling and add a bit about each constellation. Perhaps they could be read aloud on the hour, or in between train schedules so as not to interfere with the announcing of the arriving train. The story attached to the constellation could be played also, animated on the ceiling like a planetarium, or just shown a picture like on Wikipedia, or just read aloud. Any would be cool, educational, and perhaps entertaining while waiting for a train.

There could be a carnival themed experience in the summer, with a face painter outside of the trains, and performers throughout like stilt walkers, jugglers, mimes, perhaps from a performance that it currently showing as a publicity type thing or extra show, plus regular local street performers scheduled throughout the day.

Safety Listed Below

Day Experience

Natural

A light, airy, fresh experience. Large potted plants behind benches. Skylights or a few lights with different colors to habituate plant growth, or lights directly above the plants that are best for growth. These could feature exotic (still easily cared for) or unique or interesting plants. Signage below could teach about its uses, characteristics, and how to grow it. If a cactus is chosen, it could have a clear plastic rectangular or square lid over the pot that locks on both sides. All plants could have that to prevent anyone from digging in the dirt, messing with the plants, or doing anything suspicious in general, though hopefully that would not be an issue with all of the security upgrades. To incorporate modern city life, it could be mixed with modern art, like the glass garden in Seattle (which maybe would want the free exposure and advertisement by having a small exhibition), themed. Other museum-esque exhibits and exhibitions like Durham's bug fest down a hallway offering edible bugs in many forms for a short time would be both disgusting, educational, and fascinating. Maybe pieces from Disney's Bug LIfe exhibit that they got rid of could be rented and displayed for it (or could be a way for them to advertise some of their old movies, like Bug's Life instead of renting it from them, since it would be a great way for them to enrich the community and give back while still getting something in return.)

A music-themed week that showcases local performers as well as regular street performers (who have obtained a license to perform within the subway system regularly) would be nice. They could pay a low fee, like $5 or $10 to be part of the event. Though it isn't much revenue,

I enjoyed watching skits growing up. That would be something performable as well; maybe a theatrical themed week.

Introduction to the Public

How it is framed and introduced matters. Something about making safe and affordable travel while futurizing and modernizing the subway experience.

Safety for the Night Experience

Low light settings are hard to see in. If suspicious activity is detected by night vision cameras, lights will be turned on, guards will be alerted to the area, and an image of the suspicious person could even be put on the billboards so that everyone can look around and keep themselves safe, stay out of the way, or help guards get to the person.

There should also be a good amount of mood lights along walls to give off a good amount of light for even somewhat crowded or busy times. The billboards along walls could also be a good light source, but are blockable by groups, and should not be the only or main source of light. It could be modeled off of aquariums or dark/nocturnal animal zones in zoos, but a bit brighter, or changeable brightness for during shows (darker during a show, lighter when not on, limited to 5 minutes or so).

What do you think about these ideas? Answer the poll below the images!

Check out the next post for the ideas on how to reduce the homeless population.

A man standing very close, dangerously close, to a speeding subway.

A woman entering and man exiting a pretty subway.

An example of a round room that could house performers around the outer walls with a divider in the center to guide people to walk in the traffic pattern and perhaps prevent less pickpocketing, bumping, or shoving. The central cylinder could be notched out for plants, have screens built-in, or be a help desk/hidden security center/etc.

A dull, dreary, steel grey image of a man in front of a plain subway.

A colorful, bright, clean subway station.

Billboards lighting the way of the subway at night. I like the idea of screens for walls because they can be updated, changed, and perhaps even interactive. There could be projected games onto the ground like they have at some malls (like they had at Cross Creek Mall) or kid places (like Bravery Kids Gym).

What Do You Think of the Above Ideas?

• They're all great!
• I like some, but others might not work (comments!)
• It might work, but people will avoid security (how? comment)
• It will cost too much to do.

See All Options