The MTA is not going ahead with a wide photography ban in the subways, but may work on a way to limit photography nonetheless. An MTA source tells the Daily news, "We are looking at a prohibition that will allow the police to make sure individuals are not photographing sensitive areas of the system - but that would still allow tourists and train lovers and people who just find beauty in the system - to photograph it without infringing on their civil liberties." In other words, the MTA still wants to crack down on possible terrorism, which is something that most people would find reasonable, if not ideal. [Via Satan's Laundromat]
In other news, the MTA is only holding on public hearing in Manhattan about the proposed fare increase - and only one hearing each in in Westchester and Nassau counties. The Daily news points out there were 10 public hearings before last year's fare hike. The Straphnagers' Gene Russianoff says, "I think it shows contempt for the riders." Manhattan Borough President Virginia Fields sent a letter to protest this, but at this point, the hearings are scheduled in early November.
The increases, via the Daily News, include:
- Raising 30-day unlimited-ride MetroCards by $6, to $76, weekly cards by $3, to $24.
- Boosting Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road fares an average of 5%.
- Increasing tolls at nine bridges and tunnels by 25 to 50 cents.
Gothamist sometimes thinks the MTA should mobilize a citizens' task force to deal with issues like this - the MTA seems terribly out of touch with what the people's needs are.
Gothamist on the proposed subway photo ban.
