Blakeman Blasts Hochul Over 1-Person Subway Crews as She Defends $10 Million Veto
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 20
Blakeman Blasts Hochul Over 1-Person Subway Crews as She Defends $10 Million Veto
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 20
Summary
Bruce Blakeman used a Monday New York City subway campaign ride to accuse Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani of letting violent crime erode rider confidence, saying commuters feel less safe.
More police, better lighting and more conductors were central to his pitch, with Blakeman arguing visible staff on trains would help restore safety and bring riders back.
His attack focused on Hochul's Dec. 5, 2025 veto of a bill requiring two-person crews on more trains, which left the MTA's one-person operation program in place; she said the mandate could cost up to $10 million a year.
Blakeman broadened the case against Hochul by tying subway fears to Democratic criminal-justice policies including cashless bail, Raise the Age, the HALT Act and Clean Slate.
The appearance extends a wider gubernatorial campaign message in heavily Democratic New York, where Blakeman is trying to make public safety and opposition to congestion pricing defining issues.