New York City has recently implemented new rules that have been heavily criticized as targeting homeless individuals, effectively banning them from the subway system. These measures, introduced by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), include banning large wheeled carts and requiring riders to leave subway stations if a train is taken out of service at a terminal. These rules appear to disproportionately affect homeless individuals who rely on the subway for shelter.
Mayor Eric Adams has also announced initiatives to dismantle homeless encampments in subway tunnels and stations, citing safety concerns and the need to maintain a reliable transit system. The city’s Partnership Assistance for Transit Homelessness (PATH) program involves outreach teams working with the NYPD to connect homeless individuals with shelter and care.
The statistics on homelessness in New York City are alarming. In October 2024, over 130,000 people slept each night in NYC shelters, with thousands more sleeping unsheltered in public spaces or temporarily doubled-up in the homes of others. The primary reason for homelessness in NYC is the lack of affordable housing, with surveys identifying eviction, overcrowded housing, domestic violence, job loss, and hazardous housing conditions as major causes.
The new MTA rules and Mayor Adams’ initiatives have sparked a debate about the balance between public safety and the rights of homeless individuals. While some argue that the rules are necessary to ensure hygiene and safety, others believe they unfairly target vulnerable populations. The PATH program has made contact with about 5,300 homeless and troubled New Yorkers since its launch, with 1,700 receiving care and services, and about 8,000 placed in shelters.
These measures highlight the ongoing struggle to address homelessness in New York City. The city’s efforts to provide shelter and care for homeless individuals are crucial, but more comprehensive measures may be needed to alleviate the financial burden on its citizens and address the root causes of homelessness.
Sources:
https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2020/09/24/new-mta-rules-are-criticized-as-anti-homeless
https://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/basic-facts-about-homelessness-new-york-city/