NYC proposes photo ban on subways, buses

updated 8:50 a.m. ET May 21, 2004

NEW YORK - Transit officials on Thursday proposed banning photography on New York City’s subways and buses to deter surveillance by terrorists of the nation’s largest mass transit system.

City officials have paid increasing attention to transit security in advance of this summer’s Republican National Convention and following the Madrid commuter train bombings in March.

NYC Transit, the division of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority that runs the subways, the buses and the Staten Island Railway, said the ban on photography and videotaping would not apply to journalists with valid ID cards or to people with written permission.

The change needs MTA board approval after a 45-day period of public comment. Violators would be subject to fines.

The transit system has more than 7 million daily riders.

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