MTA TO BAN CAMERAS FROM NYC SUBWAYS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15 2004 @ 08:41 PM

I live here, I want to feel secure. But does prohibiting artistic expression actually add up to solving such a broad and complex problem like transit security?

What's going on

Let's not rant too much about this, the issue is very simple: the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), the institution that manages the transit system in New York City is proposing the following amendments to their Code of Conduct:

"1050.9.c. No photograph, film or video recording shall be made or taken on or in any conveyance or facility by any person, 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. All photographic activity must be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this Part.

1040.4.f. No photograph, film or video recording shall be made or taken on or in any conveyance or facility by any person, 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 SIRTOA or the authority. All photographic activity must be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this Part."

Such a policy will simply make it impossible for amateur photography and video to access any facilities regulated by the MTA in NYC and Staten Island. These amendments are to be introduced next year, after a 45 day comment period which is already running, and ends on January 10th.

What can we do?

We can email the MTA and let them know our position regarding the ban of still and video cameras from subways and buses, or better yet, write a letter to David Goldenberg, the agent in charge of receiving any concerns regarding this decision. Here is the address:

David Goldenberg
New York City Transit Authority
130 Livingston Street, Room 1207
Brooklyn NY 11201

[via deviantART]

Photograph: Nicole Weiss

Archived under: Miscelanea. | Permalink | google | del.icio.us Is it delicious?