NYC Transit Begins Enforcing New Subway Etiquette

NY 1 News | December 6 2005

New rules regarding subway and bus etiquette went into effect Monday, along with an overall crackdown on existing regulations, with violators now subject to fines or even arrest.

The new “rules of the ride" in effect Monday reinforce long standing bans like drinking on board, littering and smoking. But now, riders who get caught breaking the rules could be fined, ejected from the subway or bus, or arrested.

Some of the new rules put into place by New York City Transit include:

• Do not jump turnstiles – even if your MetroCard does not work properly
• You must show your fare card to a transit worker if it's requested
• Do not straddle a bicycle, or wear in-line skates or roller skates
• No standing on a skateboard or small scooter while on the trains or buses
• Do not move between subway cars - even if the train is stopped
• Do not occupy more than one seat on subways or buses by putting up your feet or spreading your legs
• Don't place bags on an empty seat

The complete Rules of Conduct will be posted at all subway stations, and is also available at www.mta.info.

Some riders are happy about the changes, while others say the rules are basically common sense.

The Transit Authority says the safety and comfort of their riders is a big issue.

“We think that, for instance, telling people not to walk in between cars is a safety issue,” said NYC Transit spokesman Paul Fleuranges. “We’ve lost 17 people, and 120 people were injured walking between the cars. So, yes, they are common sense. But what these are are basically clarifications and modifications of existing rules that we're just letting the public know about."

Meanwhile, talks will continue this week between transit workers and the MTA in the hopes of averting a holiday transit strike. Both sides say little progress was made during Thursday's negotiating session.

The Transport Workers Union says instead of using its surplus for holiday discounts, the MTA should give workers a raise. Members are also upset that the MTA wants to give token both clerks extra duties, like sweeping platforms.

During his radio show Friday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said New York can't afford a transit strike.

“It would be devastating to this city, to the economy, to an awful lot of people whose jobs would just disappear if people can't get to work,” said the mayor. “My hope is…that they will all come together.”

The TWU is threatening a walkout if the December 15th deadline for a new contract is not met. A strike is illegal, according to the state's Taylor Laws.

If there is a walkout, it would be the first transit strike in the city since 1980.

Both sides are due back at the bargaining table on Wednesday.

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