Security cameras might appear in all subway stations, if the MTA and local politicians have their way. Some stations have security cameras; most recently, nine stations in East New York had cameras installed, thanks to using an Assembly member using his MTA funds from the state. NYC Transit President Lawrence Reuter thinks security cameras are a "very good program to really drive down crime and allow us to make the system safer for customers." The digital cameras "beam images to monitors posted in front of the token booth with the footage kept for 30 days." As we believe in fighting subway crime, Gothamist supports these cameras, especially since regular citizens can photograph to our hearts' content. But Gothamist wonders if the MTA will feel motivated to bust up people who have fun with their signs.
The MTA itself cannot fund security cameras, because it's gasping for any money it can get for its regular operations. In fact, Albany delayed a vote on the MTA's budget once again.
