New York City Plans to Stop Homeless People From Sheltering on Subways

The plan, which calls for stricter enforcement of the transit system’s rules, also promises to offer more mental-health services and housing options to those who shelter underground.

Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Friday a sweeping plan to deploy teams of police officers and social workers into New York City’s subway, pledging to remove homeless people who shelter on trains and platforms, some of whom have contributed to escalating violence in the system.

The police will stringently enforce the subway’s often flouted rules of conduct, including bans on occupying more than one seat, littering and being aggressive toward other passengers. Dozens of mental-health professionals with the power to order involuntary hospitalization of people they deem a danger to themselves or others will be added to outreach teams across the system.

“No more just doing whatever you want,” Mr. Adams said. “Those days are over. Swipe your MetroCard, ride the system, get off at your destination. That’s what this administration is saying.”