New York City transit workers are often put in stressful and unpredictable environments as they help maintain one of the largest metropolitan transit systems in the world. The daily stressors of the job have recently come to light due to ongoing violent attacks against transit workers. Researchers, including New York University’s Dr. Alexis Merdjanoff, are studying ways to improve mental health for transit workers amidst the growing concern.
Crime targeted towards transit workers started 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 uptick in riders as pandemic precautions have subsided, there has been no decrease 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 United States 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 in an NYU transit worker study, told the Associated Press, “Sometimes it’s not just the severity of the traumatic experience — it’s the frequency.” Merdjanoff added, “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 the daily struggles they face. Merdjanoff noted that these classes can help people feel they have some control over the situation, giving them tools like breathing techniques to call upon in times of stress. Experts hope that offering such classes will create an inclusive space where workers feel supported and safe while addressing the ongoing crisis.
By Justin Goldberg and Jamie Epstein