Mayor Eric Adams says New Yorkers want to see more police in the subways. So the NYPD is moving away from two-officer patrols in the system, with the idea that single officers can cover twice as much ground.

“We’re answering what passengers asked for, to make sure we have that omnipresence,” Adams said at a news conference Tuesday.

Adams said dual patrols will continue at some locations, including major subway hubs. During overnight hours, he said, officers will board opposite ends of a train and conduct walkthroughs.

What You Need To Know

  • Adams announced Tuesday the NYPD has begun moving away from “dual patrols” in the subway

  • The NYPD says the move will allow officers to cover more ground and provide more visibility

  • The city and MTA are also planning a campaign to educate riders on how to travel more safely

  • Adams held a photo op where 100 dirt bikes were crushed to highlight a crackdown on illegally operated vehicles

“We will cover more ground by patrolling more subways cars per tour,” police commissioner Keechant Sewell said. “An increased police presence leads to a safer ride for customers and MTA personnel alike.”

It’s the latest phase of the Mayor’s subway safety plan, and in line with his view that the city has not properly deployed NYPD officers in the past.

“We have seen an evolution from dual patrol to quadruple patrol. And having six, seven officers doing patrol together? Nope,” he said, shaking his head.

Adams also said the city plans to work with the MTA on a campaign educating riders how to travel more safely, including waiting at the center of the platform near the conductor’s car late at night.

“We must play a role of educating passengers how to be partners in safety, how to be aware, how to be conscious,” he said.

The main event at the mayor’s announcement was a bulldozer crushing about 100 dirt bikes that were seized for operating illegally on city streets. It’s part of a crackdown that police say has so far produced an 88 percent increase in seized motorbikes and ATVs so far this year.

Adams said the city is also exploring legislation to require proof of insurance and registration at the point of sale.

“Quality of life is everything,” he said. “And it is our focus to deal with crime and the quality of life aspects, and these dirt bikes were a menace to the quality of life.”