Federal Transit Secretary Duffy and NYC Mayor Adams Push for Subway Reforms, Sideline Governor Hochul

During a subway tour, Duffy proposed federal oversight and criticized the MTA's inefficiency, while Adams sought direct collaboration to secure funding and address safety concerns.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy toured NYC's subway system with Mayor Eric Adams, excluding MTA Chair Janno Lieber, to assess ongoing challenges and propose solutions.
Duffy criticized the MTA for inefficiency and suggested involving Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to address waste and mismanagement.
Subway crime has significantly decreased in 2025, with no murders reported so far this year, though Duffy questioned public perceptions of safety and the system's overall condition.
Duffy and Adams discussed federal funding for infrastructure projects, including the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) and congestion pricing, while bypassing Governor Kathy Hochul in their collaboration.
Duffy reiterated his threat to withhold federal funding unless substantial improvements are made, emphasizing the need for cleaner, safer, and more cost-efficient transit operations.