New York City transit workers are often put in stressful and unpredictable environments as they maintain one of the largest metropolitan transit systems in the world. The daily stressors of the job have recently come to light as academics highlighted the ongoing violent attacks against bus drivers, subway operators, and station agents. New York University researchers Drs. Robyn Gershon and Alexis Merdjanoff are studying the recent uptick in crime against transit workers, aiming to develop ways to improve mental health for transit workers amidst the growing concern.
Crime targeted towards transit workers began rising during the COVID-19 pandemic, in part due to millions of NYC residents avoiding public transportation for concern of contracting the virus. Such isolation within the transit system made employees more vulnerable to danger and violence. Despite the increase in riders as pandemic precautions have subsided, there has been no reduction in crime surrounding transit workers.
New York City is not alone in this trend. According to an Associated Press analysis of Federal Transit Administration data, major assaults against transit workers nationwide reached a 15-year high in 2023, a 47% increase from 2020. While FBI data shows that levels of violent crime in the U.S. have fallen over the past three years, brutal attacks against transit workers have remained high.
These conditions have caused high levels of anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions, including heart disease and musculoskeletal disorders. Merdjanoff, co-investigator of the NIH-funded transit worker study, told the Associated Press, “Sometimes it’s not just the severity of the traumatic experience — it’s the frequency…The verbal abuse is much more frequent, and we’re noticing that it has a really big impact on anxiety and depression and overall mental well-being.”
In response to the unrest, a union hall for transit employees has opened relaxation classes to help manage their anxiety, aiding workers in overcoming their daily stressors. Merdjanoff noted that these classes can help people feel they have some control over the situation, giving them meditative tools to call upon in times of concern. The researchers hope that offering such classes will create an inclusive space where workers feel supported and safe while addressing the ongoing crisis.
By Jamie Epstein