The NYC Transit photography policy:
| Section 1050.9 Restricted areas and activities. |
| c. Photography, filming or video recording in any facility or conveyance is permitted except that ancillary equipment such as lights, reflectors or tripods may not be used. Members of the press holding valid identification issued by the New York City Police Department are hereby authorized to use necessary ancillary equipment. All photographic activity must be conducted in accordance with the provision of these Rules. |
The full web page is at: MTA NYCT restricted
On May 20, 2004 the MTA
announced that the board will consider a ban on photography as a security
measure. So far two advocacy groups and the mayor himself have come out against
the ban. In this, the centennial year, it was a big mistake. There was supposed
to be a 45 day window for getting comments from the public.
By 2005, it was
clear that there was enough opposition to cause the MTA to not adopt this policy.
The NY City
Civil Liberties Union was against the ban
for various reasons.
The NY Daily News reported on 5/22/2005 that the
photo ban proposal is dead!
See:
Daily News Article 5/22/05
The National Press Photographers Association has information and a legal opinion about taking photograhs in public places. Although this is geared to members of the press, it does stress the public's right to take photos in public places.
Here is a link to letters to and from the MTA pertaining to the photo policies on the LIRR and MNCR. It's in PDF format This one also from the LIRR History web site includes an internal memo from the MTA Chief of Police.
As a public service,
the
JoeKorNer provides a program
that
automaically serches for and deletes any railroad photographs from your
system.
With tongue firmly implanted in cheek, here is the penalty for taking
photos on transit property.
The Photographers Right
PDF file from
a Portland, Oregon Lawyer. Some interesting points related to photographer
security issues. Information every railfan photographer should
know.
