The article following (long), is currently a controversial issue among New Yorkers. It explains the MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) request to ban photo taking on the subway, to "safe guard the system". I think this is totally outrageous, and we cannot let this be done. This is like putting a ban on taking photos of airplanes. I am also a transit/train hobbyist, and will fight this. What are your opionions on this; not even so much this issue, but the fact that our freedoms as Americans being taken away because of one underlying cause; terrorism.
Don't Say Cheese – MTA Mulls Ban On Photography In Subway System
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If the Metropolitan Transit Authority has its way, straphangers won't be allowed to snap pictures on trains and buses anymore.
The MTA is looking to update its rules of conduct for the first time in 10 years, and one of the changes it's proposing is a blanket ban on all photography and videotaping in the city's subway system.
If it passes, the new regulation would mean that anyone caught taking footage with their camcorder would be questioned by police, who would then be allowed to issue a summons or even confiscate the footage. The only exceptions would be credentialed members of the media, or those who get written authorization from the MTA.
MTA officials say the move would help safeguard the transit system against would-be terrorists. In addition, the MTA points out that violators wouldn't automatically get a ticket – as with anything else, police officers would use their discretion.
"We're not trying to preclude people from taking beautiful pictures of our great subway system," says NYC Transit President Lawrence Reuter. "We just don't want people casing the system for acts that could cause serious harm or danger."
Nevertheless, a number of subway riders interviewed Thursday in Times Square expressed outrage at the idea.
"It just seems absolutely ridiculous," said one woman.
"It stinks," said another. "We should be able to take pictures."
"Are they going to stop you from drawing as well?" asked one man. "That could also be a security risk."
The New York Civil Liberties Union is criticizing the ban as excessive and ultimately unenforceable. But in fact, the new regulations may not end up being much different from the status quo; since the 9/11 attacks, police and transit workers have routinely stopped people from shooting video in the subways.
In addition to the ban on photography, the MTA is proposing changes that include stricter rules against moving between subway cars, putting your feet on a seat of a subway or bus, and wearing skates or standing on a skateboard.
The proposed rules would also crack down on turnstile jumping by riders who use Unlimited Ride MetroCards. The MTA has found a number cases in which people with unlimited ride cards hopped the turnstiles when the machine couldn't read their card, then fought the ensuing summons by arguing that, technically, they had already paid their fare.
The new rules make it clear that's not a valid defense.
"The concern here, of course, is that acts of this nature necessarily instill an environment of disorder, and encourage fare evasion and other impermissible conduct," explained MTA General Counsel Martin Schnabel.
The public has 45 days to comment on the proposed rule changes before they go to a vote by the MTA board.
-Bobby Cuza
Don't Say Cheese – MTA Mulls Ban On Photography In Subway System
View high bandwidth video
View low bandwidth video
If the Metropolitan Transit Authority has its way, straphangers won't be allowed to snap pictures on trains and buses anymore.
The MTA is looking to update its rules of conduct for the first time in 10 years, and one of the changes it's proposing is a blanket ban on all photography and videotaping in the city's subway system.
If it passes, the new regulation would mean that anyone caught taking footage with their camcorder would be questioned by police, who would then be allowed to issue a summons or even confiscate the footage. The only exceptions would be credentialed members of the media, or those who get written authorization from the MTA.
MTA officials say the move would help safeguard the transit system against would-be terrorists. In addition, the MTA points out that violators wouldn't automatically get a ticket – as with anything else, police officers would use their discretion.
"We're not trying to preclude people from taking beautiful pictures of our great subway system," says NYC Transit President Lawrence Reuter. "We just don't want people casing the system for acts that could cause serious harm or danger."
Nevertheless, a number of subway riders interviewed Thursday in Times Square expressed outrage at the idea.
"It just seems absolutely ridiculous," said one woman.
"It stinks," said another. "We should be able to take pictures."
"Are they going to stop you from drawing as well?" asked one man. "That could also be a security risk."
The New York Civil Liberties Union is criticizing the ban as excessive and ultimately unenforceable. But in fact, the new regulations may not end up being much different from the status quo; since the 9/11 attacks, police and transit workers have routinely stopped people from shooting video in the subways.
In addition to the ban on photography, the MTA is proposing changes that include stricter rules against moving between subway cars, putting your feet on a seat of a subway or bus, and wearing skates or standing on a skateboard.
The proposed rules would also crack down on turnstile jumping by riders who use Unlimited Ride MetroCards. The MTA has found a number cases in which people with unlimited ride cards hopped the turnstiles when the machine couldn't read their card, then fought the ensuing summons by arguing that, technically, they had already paid their fare.
The new rules make it clear that's not a valid defense.
"The concern here, of course, is that acts of this nature necessarily instill an environment of disorder, and encourage fare evasion and other impermissible conduct," explained MTA General Counsel Martin Schnabel.
The public has 45 days to comment on the proposed rule changes before they go to a vote by the MTA board.
-Bobby Cuza
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