MTA fails to pass Subway photo ban
March 14, 2005 
The MTA failed to pass it’s proposed Subway photo ban. They may be able to pass fare increases, but the public outcry curbing Subway photography seemingly made them think twice about the restrictions.
MTA fails to pass subway photo ban:
MTA officials have defended the photo ban as a way to ward off would-be terrorists from canvasing targets. But the Police Department and Mayor Michael Bloomberg have disputed the need for so broad a ban, and they asked instead for it to be made illegal to photograph sensitive transit equipment.
Also lined up against the ban are riders groups and professional photographers, who would have to obtain a permit before taking a picture.
“Subway cars function as people’s living room, so you see things that are very private that appear right in front of your eyes,” said Camilo José Vergara, whose photographs were published last year in the book “Subway Memories” (Monacelli Press). “If you are a photographer, that’s what you do.”
I think the MTA was just scared they would have had to face more photographer flash mob protests.
May 3rd, 2005 at 1:29 PM
It’s very likely that the MTA is going to bring up the photo ban again at the May 25th meeting. Please check back at nyc.photobloggers.org for updates and planned actions for this meeting.