The U.S. Department of Transportation is demanding that the MTA take stronger action against crime and safety issues on subways and buses or risk losing federal funding.

The push comes after a series of violent incidents in the transit system, including a horrific crime at Coney Island Station in December, where a woman was burned alive aboard a train.

The incident has added to growing concerns among riders who say they no longer feel safe commuting.

In a letter sent to MTA CEO Janno Lieber, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy called on the agency to provide proof of how it’s making transit safer. The letter warns that unless the MTA strengthens security efforts, federal funding could be in jeopardy.

The federal government is calling for:

Last year, the government already ordered transit agencies including the MTA to improve worker safety, requiring de-escalation training and stronger track worker protections. Now, federal officials want an update on those efforts.

The MTA has until the end of the month to respond to the federal demands. In a statement, MTA Chief of Policy John McCarthy defended the agency’s efforts, saying crime in the transit system is actually down 40% compared to 2020. He also noted that fare evasion dropped 25% last year after spiking during the pandemic, and that major crimes in transit are at their lowest levels in any non-pandemic year.

As the deadline approaches, riders will be watching closely to see what actions the MTA takes to address safety concerns.

Stay with News 12 for updates on this developing story.