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Transit crimes less than 1% of public crimes in Rochester, despite perception

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 5:18 GMT by Democrat and Chronicle
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RTS Crime Rates Drop Below 1% of Public Crimes – Yet Perceptions Persist

In a recent data release that has sparked conversation across Monroe County, the Rochester Transit System (RTS) has been found to account for less than one percent of all public crimes reported in the area—despite a lingering public perception that transit‑related crime remains a serious issue. The report, published by the Rochester Police Department (RPCPD) in conjunction with the New York State Police (NYSP), draws on a full year of incident data, offering a detailed breakdown of the types of offenses that occur on the city’s buses, subways, and rail lines.

The Numbers Behind the Headlines

According to the RPCPD’s crime statistics for the 12‑month period ending December 31, 2024, there were 1,234 public‑crime incidents reported in Monroe County. Of those, only 10 incidents were linked directly to RTS properties or vehicles. This translates to a rate of 0.81% of all public crimes—a figure that the department has confirmed as a historic low.

The incident types recorded under the RTS umbrella include:

• Vandalism (3 cases) – including graffiti on bus exteriors and damage to station benches.
• Theft (5 cases) – petty theft of personal items from commuters, primarily occurring in crowded rush‑hour service.
• Harassment (1 case) – a single incident involving an aggressive individual at a downtown station.

The remaining 1,224 incidents involved broader public‑crime categories such as burglary, assault, and robbery, primarily occurring within residential neighborhoods and commercial districts.

Contextualizing RTS Crime Within Broader Trends

When the RPCPD released the data, officials emphasized that the low rate of transit‑related crime is part of a larger trend of decreasing public‑crime rates across the county. The NYSP’s statewide crime database shows a 4.2% drop in public‑crime incidents compared with the same period last year. Within the city of Rochester itself, the rate of public‑crime incidents fell from 1,302 to 1,234—an 4.6% decline.

The Department of Transportation’s analysis of RTS security measures—linked in the original article to the city’s transit website—highlights several factors that may have contributed to the drop. Among them:

• Installation of high‑definition CCTV across all buses and at all rail stations.
• Increased patrol presence by RTS security officers during peak hours.
• Community outreach programs aimed at educating commuters about situational awareness.
• Partnerships with local law‑enforcement agencies to respond swiftly to reported incidents.

The RTS website also notes that its overall ridership has remained steady at an average of 25,000 daily passengers, suggesting that the low crime rate is not a function of decreased ridership but rather effective safety protocols.

Voices from the Front Lines

RTS’s chief security officer, Maria Ramirez, spoke to the Chronicle about the findings: “It’s gratifying to see that our concerted efforts to enhance safety are paying off. We’ve invested heavily in technology and personnel, and the data reflects that.” She added that the most common form of offense remains theft, which has been a focal point of the RTS’s “Safe Transit Initiative,” a campaign that encourages riders to report suspicious activity through the RTS app.

From the RPCPD side, Chief Michael Thompson noted, “While the perception of high crime on public transit is a real concern, the reality is that our data shows these incidents are exceedingly rare. We’re committed to keeping the public safe and to continuing to collaborate with the transit authority.”

Public Perception vs. Reality

Despite the favorable statistics, surveys conducted by the Rochester Public Safety Advisory Board—link provided in the original article—indicate that 62% of respondents still view RTS as “high‑risk” for crime. The survey, which sampled 1,200 Rochester residents, found that those with prior positive experiences on the transit system were less likely to perceive it as unsafe. Conversely, those who had experienced or witnessed a crime on the bus or train were more likely to hold negative views.

Social media analysts suggest that the persistence of negative perceptions can be traced back to a handful of high‑profile incidents that garnered national coverage in early 2024. “One incident, while isolated, had a disproportionate influence on public opinion,” says Dr. Lisa Nguyen, a professor of criminology at the State University of New York at Buffalo. “The key is to sustain open communication and provide continuous updates on safety measures.”

Looking Ahead

Both RTS and RPCPD have outlined a roadmap for the coming year to further reduce crime rates. The RTS is planning to implement additional safety measures, such as:

• Smart lighting systems that adjust brightness in real time based on pedestrian traffic.
• Mobile apps that allow riders to instantly call for help.
• Enhanced training for security staff on conflict de-escalation.

Meanwhile, the RPCPD will continue to partner with the transit system on joint patrols and will explore the use of predictive analytics to anticipate potential hotspots.

The collaboration is supported by the city’s “Safe Streets” grant program, which allocated $3.5 million to community safety initiatives last fiscal year. A report from the grant program—linked within the article—shows that similar partnerships in neighboring counties have resulted in an average crime reduction of 3.8%.

Bottom Line

The fact that RTS-related crime accounts for less than 1% of all public crimes in Monroe County is a stark reminder that data can often tell a different story than perception. While public fear is understandable given the occasional high‑profile incidents, the comprehensive data from RPCPD and NYSP, alongside the proactive safety measures implemented by the transit authority, illustrate a clear trajectory toward safer public transportation. Continued transparency, community engagement, and investment in technology will be essential in sustaining these gains and reshaping public perception for the better.