Q&A
Subway surfing fatalities and incident trends
0:49:19
·
4 min
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the recent increase in subway surfing fatalities and incidents. Michael Kemper from the MTA provides information on the current situation and historical context.
- In 2023, at least 5 people died during subway surfing incidents, compared to a total of 5 in the previous 5 years combined
- 2024 has already seen at least 6 deaths from subway surfing
- Data collection methods have improved, leading to more comprehensive reporting of incidents
- The MTA and NYPD have combined efforts to create a unified data set for better tracking and analysis of subway surfing incidents
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
0:49:19
In 2023, at least 5 people died during subway surfing incidents compared to a total of 5 people in the previous 5 years combined.
0:49:30
This year, there have been at least 6 deaths.
Michael Kemper
0:49:34
Mhmm.
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
0:49:36
How do subway survey incidents this year and last year compare to pre pandemic years?
0:49:43
And does the MTA have the data on those incidents going back to the 2000 or early 20 tens?
Michael Kemper
0:49:52
So that's a great question.
0:49:54
And, let let me try not to complicate this.
0:49:57
I'll try I'll try to be as, easy as I can about this.
0:50:02
We we often talk I just mentioned data is so important, but we have to have confidence on in our data and we have to have, the best data, in our disposal.
0:50:14
Throughout the years, there's been different ways that the MTA collects data.
0:50:19
And, you know, just a couple of years ago, track intrusions, we weren't separating subway surfing.
0:50:26
It was all lumped into track intrusions.
0:50:30
Back in, March of, 2024, you know, is really when we, began sharing and and combining, all the data available.
0:50:41
What data am I talking about?
0:50:43
MTA data and NYPD data.
0:50:45
And creating, a unified data set, including all reports of subway surfing by MTA employees, you know, reports of that, including 911 calls, including people, sending information in through, text or or or social media, and putting that together.
0:51:06
And we we are seeing the numbers go up in reported subway surfing incidents, if you will, but we need to be mindful that we're adding stuff in to get a better data, to create a better data set, data set set.
0:51:23
The drone program that the NYPD, began, I'd like to say that's, game changer when it comes to, you know, fighting, subway surfing.
0:51:34
Those numbers are now included in the overall numbers.
0:51:38
So the numbers are higher than they were just a few years ago, but they may be higher because we're adding more, types of information reported into it, if that makes sense.
0:51:54
I hope I was clear because it's
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
0:51:57
No.
0:51:57
That's that's helpful, again, with perspective.
0:52:00
Now from your vantage point, have there been other errors with this many subway surfing deaths?
0:52:06
And I know it's kinda complicated based on what you're saying about how the data is collected and and work looked through.
0:52:15
But, like, is there an error in particular that you've seen this many subway surfing?
0:52:21
Yes.
Michael Kemper
0:52:23
So the the data you know, I have confidence that the the data has gotten much, better.
0:52:32
You know, and and, again, we share this data intelligence, data driven, deployment with with the NYPD.
0:52:39
We we, you know, just just to describe how this works and and our level of communication and, you know, I I don't think it's a secret, you know, where I was sitting 5 weeks ago.
0:52:51
I was the chief of transit for the NYPD 5 weeks ago.
0:52:54
So if anyone understands this topic, I think it would be me having experienced it firsthand and, you know, just seeing and living, and and actually responding to these tragedies firsthand and speaking about it and being very, outspoken publicly about it.
0:53:13
You know, so the ability to be in this seat right now and continue and really expand upon, our working relationship is, is is is great, and is gonna be helpful, in in in so many different ways.
0:53:30
But, we are at number 6, for the year, unfortunately.
0:53:34
I truly believe, and I say this with all sir sincerity, have it not been for all the efforts, everyone plus, so many more people are putting into this, topic?
0:53:49
I I I believe there's a there would be more deaths and tragedy and injuries.
0:53:53
I truly do.
