This post appeared in a previous blog and is here for posterity’s sake.

update – 20 March 2005
MTA fails to pass subway photo ban
Well, it looks like the MTA has trotted the proposed photography ban out again (here’s a recap) – just in time for the holidays.
The proposed rule amendment was killed six months ago in a blaze of negative press, but it surfaced again in the state register. The comment period began on 24 NOV 2004 and runs for 45 days. The text of the proposed amendment change:

1050.9.c. No photograph, film or video recording shall be made or taken on or in any conveyance or facility by any person, except members of the press holding valid press identification cards issued by the New York City Police Department or by others duly authorized in writing to engage in such activity by the authority. All photographic activity must be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this Part.
1040.4.f. No photograph, film or video recording shall be made or taken on or in any conveyance or facility by any person, except members of the press holding valid press identification cards issued by the New York City Police Department or by others duly authorized in writing to engage in such activity by SIRTOA or the authority. All photographic activity must be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this Part.

Address/contact info where you can send your polite objections is at:

David Goldenberg
New York City Transit Authority
130 Livingston Street
Room 1207
Brooklyn NY 11201
718-694-5454

I don’t think I’m alone in thinking this is bad for all the reasons which were discussed LAST time the MTA brought it up. How can this really increase security? Is this photo a breach of security? Do tourists get a free pass? What is the penalty for taking photos? This proposed rule change would even make Grand Central Station’s Grand Hall off limits (it is a “conveyance” and a “facility”) as well as any station or train yards in full public view or anything that the police don’t want you to take a picture of. This amendment is the opposite of a “bright line rule” and infringes on our First Amendment rights.