The spiraling crime rate in New York City has led to the emergence of “bus girlies” – women who choose to take buses instead of subways due to safety concerns. One such woman, Upper East Side content creator Tatiana Alvarez, shared a TikTok video advocating for bus travel, which gained popularity among other women who feel the same way. Despite the longer travel time, Alvarez believes that the peace of mind and safety on the bus outweighs the inconvenience.
The fear of being trapped on a subway train during an emergency, such as a recent shooting incident, contributes to Alvarez’s anxiety and preference for buses. The unpredictability of New York City and the need for constant vigilance, particularly for women, has pushed many to share personal safety tips and opt for buses as a safer mode of transportation. Videos on social media show that buses are often less crowded, and data supports the notion that buses are safer, with fewer crimes reported compared to subways.
Tierra Chess, an influencer from Queens, shares public transportation safety tips with her followers, emphasizing the challenges of staying safe while using transportation systems in New York City and elsewhere. Apart from safety concerns, issues like overcrowding and cleanliness have led to a drop in subway customer satisfaction, while bus satisfaction has increased according to MTA surveys. The data indicates that riders have a significantly lower chance of encountering crimes on buses compared to subways.
An analysis by The Post further confirms that buses are a safer alternative to subways, with lower crime rates reported on buses compared to subways. Data from September through February show a higher number of crimes reported on the subway, including assault, sex offenses, disorderly conduct, and harassment, compared to buses. Despite an overall decrease in subway crime rates in March, bus travel remains a preferred option for many due to its perceived safety and reliability.
The shift towards bus travel as a safer alternative to subways in New York City is reflected in the growing popularity of “bus girlies” and the increased satisfaction levels among bus riders. As incidents of random attacks and high-profile crimes on subways continue to concern residents, many are opting for buses as a more secure mode of transportation. While subway crime rates have seen fluctuations, the consistent perception of buses as a safer option is supported by data and personal experiences shared by individuals like Alvarez and Chess.
