Semi good news for transit photo fans ...

[dmr]

I just got this link from "another network" regarding the proposed photo ban in the NYC subways ...

http://www.newsday.com/mynews/ny-nyfoto154176792mar15,0,4363117.story

It's not a done deal yet, but it's at least guardedly optimistic in favor of people (like me, but I've never figured out why) who occasionally photograph the underground. 🙂

The story speaks for itself. It's from Newsday, the Long Island daily paper.

 

[ijonas]

If they DO enforce the ban, then the terrorists have won.

 

[reellis67]

Agreed! These types of knee-jerk reactions are unnecessary restrictions on our freedom and our civil rights. They serve no purpose what so ever in preventing 'terrorism' or in providing 'security'. Anyone can circumvent these idiotic laws easily so they just punish those of us that choose obey the law. I for one am glad to see that the public opinion still carries enough weight to at least stall this moronic judgement.

 

[dmr]

They serve no purpose what so ever in preventing 'terrorism' or in providing 'security'. Anyone can circumvent these idiotic laws easily so they just punish those of us that choose obey the law.

Oh, any idiot who wants to could easily sneak a few photos if they wanted to.

I would, however, prefer to be free to raise the camera to my eye, compose, focus, etc.

Not to digress into an off-topic spin-off, but this has been discussed quite a bit and the consensus seems to be that they (MTA) are using this as an excuse (as opposed to a true reason) for the proposed ban. The real reason(s) are speculated as such things as simple power/control to fear of citizens documenting safety violations and things like that.

Oh well ... we shall see how this continues to transpire ...

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

I'm Telling you... a new social art form... Seriptitious transit photography- trainspotting for this century.

I think regular (read as more than when they get around to it) transit system inspections by interested and well trained individuals would do a lot more than banning photographs. Safety and terrorism issues could be minimized by using ones eyes and ears, rather than wasting civil liberties.

HSA is a joke, a federal agency that can't seem to wipe its own... nose, let alone keep Americans secure. I think local civil authorities, if properly directed could manage public safety well enough, given good direction and support.

The current paranoia, while not as severe as that of the McCarthy Era, is sad. I feel it has only served to make the public less capable of handling another catastrophe.

 

[Heath]

This kind of thing is rediculous. I live in Australia and have had my camera out on the public transport system many times without any concern whatsoever. In fact last Sunday when I was heading home from Sydney olympic park after a camera club get-together I took 3 shots inside Olympic Park station with my Yashica A TLR. One of the station attendants was there and he never confronted me. In fact when I noticed him looking my way I walked to him and he mentioned my camera. Turns out he has a Rollei. Then my train arrived and we went our separate ways. I have also taken photos in and around Central Station in downtown Sydney without anyone saying anything to me.

Heath

 

[dmr]

This kind of thing is rediculous.

Oh yes, agreed.

One of the station attendants was there and he never confronted me. In fact when I noticed him looking my way I walked to him and he mentioned my camera. Turns out he has a Rollei.

Over here in the States they seem to be far more draconian about trivial matters in the name of security, but it's very inconsistent and seems to be done on a whim. On the Las Vegas Monorail, a security guard posed for me when I pointed the camera his way, and not 30 minutes later another amateur photographer said he was warned by security not to take photos on the system.

 

[Heath]

Pretty good news for Australians.

Today when I was walking past my local train station I dropped in and asked about any possible laws or regulations reguarding photography on the transit system here in Sydney. He told me he didn't know of any and said if there were any it would be close to impossible to enforce. He said the only time they keep an eye on anyone with a camera is if they are acting suspicious or in a creepy manner. So if you are open about what you are doing they should leave you alone. He also said the most that could happen to you is you would be asked to stop. That's it. I told him I was thinking of doing a complete series of photos on our transit system and he suggested it might be a good idea to notify the powers-that-be of my intentions, so I would be covered, especially if I wanted to get onto the actual tracks. I can always get into the drivers compartment on certain trains here. One of my good mates is a driver and has told me any time I wanted to ride along all I have to do is ask. I might just take him up on that offer.

Heath