The MTA has been arguing more police are needed in the subway based on a survey of riders' concerns. But critics are questioning those findings.

The MTA says a survey of 33,000 current and former riders finds 87 percent say safety is a “very or extremely important factor” in deciding if they’ll use the subways.

But the group Riders Alliance says the survey was long and confusing, and doesn't reflect all views.

MTA board member David Jones says people of color, who make up the majority of those arrested for fare evasion, don’t always feel safer with more police. He suggests hiring unarmed officials to patrol the subways.

It also appears riders are voting with their feet.

Last week there were five days in a row in which ridership topped 2 million a day, a post-pandemic record.