Crime on MBTA Plummets by 14% as Safety Efforts Intensify

BREAKING: Crime on the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) has dropped by an astonishing 14% compared to last year, according to new data just released by the MBTA Police Department. Police Chief Kenneth Green announced this significant reduction during a recent board meeting, emphasizing the dedication of his team to ensure safety for all riders.

This crucial development comes at a time when MBTA is striving to restore service levels to pre-pandemic norms. The latest data, covering incidents from January 1 to December 15, 2025, reveals a notable decline in serious crimes, including a 26% decrease in robberies and a 20% reduction in larcenies. In stark contrast, reported rapes and assaults to rape saw an increase of 50%, with Green clarifying that this translates to just one additional incident compared to last year.

In total, the MBTA Police reported 193 aggravated assaults, a slight uptick of 2% from 2024. Green provided context, stating, “Some incidents are more egregious than others,” ranging from minor infractions to severe physical assaults. Despite these figures, he reassured the public that the overall safety of the transit system remains intact, citing millions of trips made each month.

To bolster their response capabilities, the MBTA Police will open a new control center in Quincy aimed at improving coordination with MBTA operations. Green described this center as a “game changer.” Additionally, plans are underway to recruit more officers in 2026, with a class of 30 recruits anticipated next spring—the largest in over a decade. Recent changes to civil service rules will allow for a more diverse hiring pool, promising to enhance the department’s strength.

Currently, the MBTA has 217 officers, falling short of the ideal 278 for full staffing. Green highlighted the importance of new contracts that have improved officer pay, which are critical for retention in a competitive job market.

Meanwhile, the MBTA celebrated its highest average weekday ridership since the pandemic, with 943,932 rides recorded in October across all modes of transport, including subway, bus, and commuter rail. This surge in ridership correlates with recent improvements in service, particularly on the Red, Orange, and Blue Lines, which saw increases in scheduled trips of 55%, 50%, and 16%, respectively.

In a recent letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng highlighted these positive crime statistics, asserting that “all riders must be safe — and feel safe — while using any part of our network.” The MBTA is responding to federal inquiries for safety data following violent incidents in other transit systems, underscoring the importance of public confidence in transit safety.

As the MBTA continues to enhance its security measures and expand its services, officials remain optimistic about maintaining this downward trend in crime and ensuring a safe commuting experience for all.

Authorities urge the public to stay informed as these developments unfold, and the community is encouraged to share this positive news to spread awareness about the improved safety measures on the MBTA.