Subways Under Scrutiny: Are America’s Transit Systems Becoming Increasingly Dangerous Soft Targets?

New York, NY — The recent unprovoked throat-slashing of a commuter on a New York subway has reignited national concerns over whether mass transit systems are becoming increasingly dangerous soft targets. The suspect, who later claimed he “just scared him,” has left both law enforcement and the public grappling with the fragile security landscape of urban transportation networks.

Subways as High-Risk Environments

Subway systems are inherently vulnerable. With confined spaces, crowded platforms, limited exits, and thousands of daily riders, they present a target-rich environment for both opportunistic criminals and potential terror actors. Unlike airports, where layers of federalized security exist, subway systems often rely on the presence of city police and surveillance cameras, leaving noticeable security gaps.

“Subways have become what we in security classify as soft targets,” said Jereme Dozier, CEO of Axios Security Group. “They combine dense populations with minimal screening. That’s a formula that, unfortunately, attracts both violent offenders and those seeking maximum impact through chaos.”

A Growing Pattern of Violence

New York’s subway attack isn’t an isolated case. In Charlotte, North Carolina, a Ukrainian woman was fatally stabbed at a light rail station, sending shockwaves through the community and raising similar concerns over transit safety. These tragic incidents—though in different cities—underscore the nationwide vulnerabilities of mass transit hubs.

From random assaults in New York to fatal stabbings in Charlotte, public transit systems are increasingly viewed as environments where violence can erupt with little warning. While not all events are terror-linked, the psychological toll is immense: riders report heightened fear and avoidance of transit, particularly during late or off-peak hours.

Recommendations from Axios Security Group

To mitigate risks, Axios Security Group advises transit authorities to adopt a layered security approach:

• Increased Visible Security: Expand the presence of uniformed transit police and trained private security officers during peak and late-night hours.

• Behavioral Detection Training: Equip transit staff to identify and respond to suspicious behavior before it escalates.

• Surveillance Expansion: Integrate AI-powered video analytics to monitor platforms and trains for weapons, abandoned objects, or unusual movement patterns.

• Public Awareness: Encourage “see something, say something” campaigns while making it easier for commuters to report real-time threats through mobile apps.

• Mental Health Interventions: Work with city agencies to address untreated mental health crises that often spill over into public spaces like transit hubs.

A National Security Lens

Beyond local crime, experts warn that subway and light rail systems remain attractive to extremist groups. Past international incidents—such as the Tokyo sarin gas attack (1995) and London underground bombings (2005)—demonstrate how mass transit can be exploited for large-scale terror operations.

“Protecting subways and light rail stations isn’t just about preventing street crime,” Dozier emphasized. “It’s about safeguarding critical infrastructure that millions of Americans rely on daily. We must start treating transit systems with the same priority we give airports and stadiums.”