So, taking a picture of a subway train is a 'security risk,' is it? Well, just as much information can be gathered by simply LOOKING at the train. Maybe the MTA should go a step further; how about a mandate that all straphangers must wear blindfolds in MTA facilities, to prevent us from seeing the trains at all. Surely this will eliminate any left-over risks. GET REAL, MTA! Try increasing security by hiring more employees, or by NOT SHUTTERING TOKEN BOOTHS. Don't take away our cameras and trample our rights as citizens.
I'm a young aviation enthusiast and I have been detained once at Sarasota airport in Florida at the age of 17. I was told that the activity I was proceeding on was highly suspicious. Well, they let me go b/c they wouldn't know what to do with me, only 5 dollars in my pocket and a crappy car in the parking area, so they escorted me to my car and forced me to leave the premises.
Anyhow, I was willing to work with these people and at the moment I asked what is wrong, I had hand cuffs wrapped around my arms. I had no clue what I had done wrong and I hadn't heard of a lot that phohibited me taking photographs of what I once thought was a beautiful airport. Another thing, I offered to delete all my photographs of the airport at the time, but instead they took my camera, and I pleaded to let me have it, and they could just keep the CF memory card, there is no way I could keep the images without it. But anyways they practically stole a $200 back when I bought it 512mb CF card from me.
This is sad, I am ashamed to live in this country not because it's a bad place, but because they can pass all kinds of different so called "laws and regulations" without the general public knowing what they can and can't do. I never had a chance to vote for it!
And give me a break; homeage to all the people who mentioned cell phone cameras, IF I WERE A SPY wouldn't it make sense to take photographs in a more conspicious manner, hidden cameras etc!?! Ugh, the logic has failed me. And I can't even get in contact with the board that runs the airports I'm interested in taking pictures at, I'm willing to go through all the steps it takes to take good pictures. But for now I continue to be "illegal."
I LOVE Trains. I Love taking pictures of trains when I visit other countries. Since WHEN is taking pictures of trains (by us innocent train buffs) 'a security issue'? Give Us ID Cards that are TAMPER PROOF if it's such a big issue to photograph trains.
Banning photography is usually a step taken when one is trying to hide something.
What is the MTA trying to hide?
Is it poor security at the yard? Or at the bus depot? Or at the bridge crossings? Or maybe it's the situation where resources are wasted?
What is the MTA trying to hide?
Altho 9/11 screwed things up, thanks to Bush, here in Boston, our transit system offers a photo pass that allows private citizens to take photos around the system, w/ some restrictions ex: flashes, etc..., but have no problems taking pics-as long as they're for personal use-collections.
Banning photography by law-abiding citizens will not prevent criminals from taking'spy' photos. It may, in fact, prevent the recording suspicious activites on film by onlookers.
This ban would be unenforceable, anyway.
I live here in the United Kingdom where so far this is not a problem.I visit the USA at least once a year to carry on my hobby as a transport photograher and I wish to be free to do so in the future.
For 38 year I lived in Soviet Union where ban on taking pictures in subways, airports, planes was strictly enforced and always was regarded as one of birthmarks of totalitarian regime.
I actually very much enjoy freedom of taking such pictures in USA. In FSU the reasons for ban cited were terrorist or enemy threats. For the same reason there were no geographically correct maps of large and small cities. I personally have been questioned by authorities few times regarding some of pictures and not one roll of film had been confiscated. The Soviet Union went south not because of some pictures, but because it lacked freedom.
Hope, we can learn something from that!
I heard about this issue through postings on www.publictransit.us about NJTransit harassment of photographers. Their police chief responded that they don't "harass" but do require a permit - and will "challenge" photographers not know to have one (for "public safety" of course). BUT- the original reason cited by the chief for "requiring" a permit was their leagl authority to regulate "commercial activity." So this would mean a father taking his son to the zoo by train, could not take a snapshot without NJT's permission. Here in the USA that's absurd. And if the parent should be allowed to snap his kid in front of the train (and he should!), I should be allowed to snap the train by itself, without prior permission.
Public transit managers with this attitude need to be reminded that these systems are PUBLIC property and PUBLIC spaces, just like parks and monuments.
I sent the MTA a separate letter with the same sentiments are this petition. 'Don't take simple pleasures away when they will not result in safer subways!'
Trainspotters are a "second line of defence" for the railway industry. Whilst photography may have been discouraged during the Second World War, it was never banned completely. Railway and transport photo bans are rubbish!
I do not believe that we need to ban cameras from subways and trains to keep NYC safe. NYC is supposed to be the city of artistic freedom. NYC is filled with artists who come to live here to express their talents.
I'm citizen of the European Union (Vienna) and read abouth the proposed NYC-subway photo-ban. I support your petition by all means and I oppose photography ban beyond any doubt. It doesn't increase security at all but severly intrudes our freedom rights. As a railfan and as somebody concerned about civility-rights I do hope you succeed in preventing that proposed regulation. Good luck and let me know if I can do anything to support your aim.
Banning photography on public transportation will do nothing to increase our safety and security. In fact, it is likely to have the opposite effect. We should cherish and safeguard our freedoms instead of relinquishing them through fear.
This is worth a try. I know I don't intend to stop doing what I've felt free to do now 25 years!
This business is a great way to foster ill-will and undermine whatever support there is for the war on terror, "so-called."
This also increasingly damages police credibility with the very citizenry they are trying to protect, while they try to enforce laws that do not truly exist.
These "security" are unjust and unfair. They're sloppy and and have no real thought to them, and need to go. People have been interested in mass transit for decades and have been taking pics of buses, trains, trolleys and even ships and airplanes for many years as a hobby.
BANNING PHOTOGRAPHY IN SUBWAY, BUSES, AND STATIONS IS A VERY BAD IDEA
> FOR SEVERAL REASONS:
>
> 1) IT FREEZES OUT ARTSITIC DOCUMENTATION OF AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF
> LIFE IN NYC.
>
> 2) IT INFRINGES ON FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS.
>
> 3) IT DOES NOT MAKE OUR TRANSPORT SYSTEM SAFER: WOULD-BE TERRORISTS
> DO NOT NEED LEGALIZED PHOTOGRAPHY.
>
> 4) IT WILL WASTE VALUABLE POLICE ATTENTION - HARRASSING AND FINING
> INNOCENT PHOTOGRAPHERS AND TOURISTS, INSTEAD OF CATCHING CRIMINALS.
>
> 5) Photography actually makes our system MORE safe. The more people
> WITH THEIR EYES OPEN, the more likely a suspicious person will be
> noticed, and documented, and perhaps an act of crime or terrorism
> PREVENTED!!! Better to have a million attentive eyes of citizens then
> one big eye of government.
>
> I URGE YOU TO RECONSIDER YOUR DECISION, AND KEEP PHOTOGRAPHY LEGAL IN
> THE TRANSIT SYSTEM!
I can only imagine not being able to take pictures of my rail fanning spot. How would you guys at the Transit Administration feel if you couldnt photograph your hobby
This whole ban is b.s. Taking pictures on the subway or bus is part of history. The subway is one of the most awesome places to capture photos.
Stupid mayor=stupid rules.
I've taken pictures on the subway, because I think transit gives an interesting and attractive view of humanity. If you take away the right to record our experiences, you take away our humanity. The ban does not improve our safety or protect the freedom that our nation stands for.
Railfan photographers are the good guys. They are the extra eyes and ears that cover the gaps in security AT NO EXTRA COST TO TAXPAYERS! Don't treat them like criminals, respect them as allies.
I have worked for over 30 years in the transit industry as a driver, clerk, supervisor, dispatcher and scheduler. I have also been fortunate enough to live in a country with a democratic form of government and a constitution. I don't understand why my elected leaders now want to take those constitutionally-guarante ed privileges away!
Years ago I took pictures when I was in communist Yugoslavia. I should be able to take pictures in the good ole USA. If a terrorist really needs a picture of somethine, they will find a way. This ban would only the general public - not protect it.
