Intelligencer

How Did London Affect New York?

A survey of 100 passersby outside Grand Central on the day of the attacks—63 of whom knew people over there and had already made sure they were safe.

Published Jul 10, 2005

Do you plan to avoid the subway?
Yes . . . 15
No. . . 85
“No, they are not allowed to change my life.” “Today, I took a taxi.” “I have no other choice but the subway.” “I’ve only been on it one time since 9/11.” “No. If I drove, I’d have to worry about parking.” (79 people had avoided the subway right after 9/11.)

What was your first reaction? Did you feel anxious or more of a sense of relief that it wasn’t in New York?
Anxiety . . .68
Relief . . .19
Wouldn’t say . . .13

On the subway, how alert are you to suspicious people and packages?
Hyperalert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Somewhat alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Not very alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
I’m usually zoned out or asleep . . . . . . . . . . . 8
(Eleven people said they’ve notified the authorities about an unattended package.)

Do you think New York is prepared, in terms of emergency services, for a possible attack on our transit system?
Yes . . . 45
No . . . 54
“I hope so” . . .1

What should the city do to secure our subways?
Remove trash receptacles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Random I.D. checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Metal detectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Increased police presence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
More bomb-sniffing dogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
It’s impossible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Do you think another attack on New York City is inevitable?
Yes . . . 73
No . . . 24
Don’t know . . . 3

Is Washington doing all it can to prevent another attack in New York?
Yes . . . 6
No . . . 94

Are you more afraid of being a victim of a violent crime or of terrorism?
Violent crime. . . 58
Terrorism. . . 39
Can’t decide. . . 3

Are you glad we didn’t get the Olympics?
Yes . . .52
No . . .48
“Elated is a better term.”

Are you now less likely to visit London?
Yes . . . 5
No . . . 95
“I bought a ticket today because the prices went down just like that. I’m very happy about it.”

Have you thought about leaving New York because of potential terrorism?
Yes . . . 14
No . . .86
“I wouldn’t leave New York City for anything.”

Would you work in the Freedom Tower?
Yes . . . 62
No . . . 36
Not sure . . . 2
“Hell no!” “If I was well paid, of course—I’d work at the very top.” “Depends on what it looks like.”