As more workers return to offices after the coronavirus pandemic, New York Democrats are pushing them into the Big Apple’s subway system with policies like the new congestion fee on cars and trucks that enter busy parts of Manhattan.

The new fee, criticized as a driving tax on the middle class and businesses, is meant to encourage people to take the subway, cutting down on exhaust fumes and raising money for the city’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

It costs drivers $9 if they want to travel south of Central Park or enter downtown Manhattan from Brooklyn or New Jersey.

But while authorities insist crime is down, violence and the fear of violence continue to rise.

Felony assaults increased slightly in the transit system in 2024, and subway homicides doubled to 10 last year from the five that happened in 2023. Overall subway crime was down by 5.4%, according to the NYPD.

Kamel Hawkins, 23, was charged with attempted murder for allegedly shoving a 45-year-old man onto subway tracks as a train approached. (MTA)

Janno Lieber, the MTA chairman, told Bloomberg News earlier this week the idea of crime has “gotten in people’s heads” but claimed the trains are safe.

“The overall stats are positive,” he told the outlet. “Last year, we were actually 12.5% less crime than 2019, the last year before COVID. But there’s no question that some of these high-profile incidents, you know, terrible attacks, have gotten in people’s heads and made the whole system feel less safe.” 

Daniel Penny arrives at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City Dec. 5, 2024. (Adam Gray for Fox News Digital)

On top of the arson murder and the random slashings, straphangers are still dealing with shoving attacks, many of which have been fatal as victims fall in front of moving trains, and the trial of Daniel Penny, who was arrested and charged with manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide after he intervened in a man’s violent rant of death threats.

Penny was acquitted of the lesser charge, and prosecutors asked the court to dismiss the more serious one after jurors deadlocked.

“The Boston Tea Party started the greatest revolution in the history of civilization over a 2% tax,” LoBaido said. “And this, what is happening here is pure r—.”

Fox News’ Sophia Compton contributed to this report.