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News Release For Immediate Release As MTA Considers Ban on Photography, MTA's Web Site Asks Riders to Submit Subway and Bus Photos The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's own website - www.mta.info - encourages riders to "share original photos about public transportation in the New York metropolitan region," even as the MTA is considering a ban on photography on subways and buses. Last week, citing security concerns the MTA proposed a new rule that: "No photograph, film or video recording shall be made or taken on or in any conveyance or facility by any persons, except members of the press holding valid press identification cards issued by the New York City Police Department or by others duly authorized in writing to engage in such activity by the authority." Under the current rule, "Photography, filming or video recording in any facility or conveyance is permitted" with some restrictions on "ancillary" equipment such as lights, reflectors or tripods. But the MTA's website is encouraging photos: Visitors who go to MTA's website and click on the New York Transit Museum's "education programs" can go to a section called "Community Crossing." The direct web address is: http://www.transitmuseumeducation.org/community.html The MTA's web site describes "Community Crossing" as a" unique place to share original stories, written essays, oral histories, poetry, photographs and artwork about public transportation in the New York metropolitan regions. Community Crossing is a free and open online community." The Community Crossing section continues: "Community Crossing is currently welcoming submissions on the theme "connections." The MTA system facilitates connections -- people connecting to places, people connecting to people, and people connecting with their passions. Login and share your own photographs, poetry and stories on this theme!" Among the current photos now featured there are ones of a train streaking through the Bowling Green subway station (4/5 lines); another of the Howard Beach subway station and its new airport connection (A line); and the platform of the Metropolitan Avenue Station with this caption from a subway rider: "The Metropolitan Avenue Station is a place where I recently bumped into a teacher I had when I was in grade school. I saw her on the platform, and we re-connected. This is my submission for this month's community "connections" exhibit." Riders are urged to "contribute your own pieces of history to the Museum's virtual collections." The site features an icon saying "MUSE 2004 Award Winner Site, American Association of Museums." "Sharing photos taken on the subways and buses is part of the New York experience and - as the MTA's own - website notes, creates a feeling of community," said Gene Russianoff, staff attorney for the NYPIRG Straphangers Campaign, which opposes the proposed ban. "Picture taking contributes to a feeling of safety and security. The MTA is right on its website and wrong on its proposed rules." The proposed rules will be subject to a 45-day public comment period, followed by MTA board debate and vote on the proposed changes. - 30 -
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