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Important legislation in both the NY State Assembly and Senate – Help move it forward!

New Yorkers for Safe Transit has been working with Assemblymember James Brennan and Senator Bill Perkins on legislation that would make it so the NYPD keeps track and releases data related to sexual assault and harassment crimes on MTA subway and bus lines.

Brennan’s bill, A10444, will require the New York City Police Department to submit an annual report detailing the number of criminal complaints and arrests for violent felony offenses that take place within subway lines and bus routes operated by the New York City Transit Authority.  This would include keeping track of the type of criminal activity that occurs, such as sexual assault, disorderly conduct, or harassment.  The data would be tracked on a monthly basis and then made public via the internet.

Senator Bill Perkins has introduced the same bill, S7419, in the Senate.

We believe this is important legislation.  If voted into law, it would provide a great first step to gaining critical information on where crime occurs and where to best allocate resources.  This kind of legislation can help reduce the harassment and assault we experience while riding the subway trains and buses.  It could make our transit system safer for all.

If you feel the same, here is what you can do:

Brennan’s bill, A10444, is currently in the Ways and Means Committee in the Assembly.

By calling at least two Assemblymembers you will have made a difference.  Tell them you want them to vote in favor of A10444!

Follow this link for the Assemblymembers in the Ways and Means Committee:

http://assembly.state.ny.us/comm/?sec=mem&id=41

Read Assemblymember Brennan’s press release about this important legislation:

http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=044&sh=story&story=38076

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio held a press conference on March 18 to demand safety improvements in MTA subway stations.  “It is penny wise and pound foolish to layoff station agents and let security cameras fail when our transit system is losing almost $30 million to turnstile jumpers.  We need to do more to protect straphangers and their own funds.  A good way for the MTA to save money would be to start investing in subway security,” he said.

Oraia Reid, founding member of New Yorkers for Safe Transit, was also in attendance, along with Gene Russianoff of the Straphangers Campaign, and Maurice Jenkins of the Transport Workers Union.  According to Reid, there is great concern in how the MTA budget cuts will negatively affect the safety of transit riders, “The MTA is currently eliminating hundreds of token booth clerks and has acknowledged the lack of working security equipment such as security cameras, public address systems and pay phones.  These conditions do not contribute to a safer transit system.”

Transit safety advocates are demanding the MTA also make subway safety a priority.  “We implore the MTA to stop closing token booths, repair and install necessary security equipment and to place a higher value on transit rider safety,” said Oraia Reid.

State Senator Eric Adams, who was not present at the press conference but did issue a statement, will convene a joint hearing on passenger safety, along with Senator Martin Dilan, Chair of the Transportation Committee in April.  Please stay tuned for that information.

“Station agents are the eyes and ears of the subway system…they reduce the likelihood of fare-beating, vandalism, assaults and more serious crime…The MTA urges riders, “When you see something, say something.” But without agents, who will be there to help you?” – Comptroller John C. Liu.

In addition to several service cuts and a fare hike, the MTA is proposing to cut back on station agents and to close many station booths.

Comptroller John C. Liu is urging all riders to take action!

HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN DO:

1. Click here to find out which stations face cuts.
2. Take Action

• Tell others so that they know what cuts they face
• Email the MTA directly to protect these service cuts

In March, the MTA will hold eight public hearings about the service cuts. Individual hearings will focus on cuts in that particular region, with two sessions a night taking place at 6 p.m.

The schedule of public hearings listed below is also available online and will be officially noticed in early February. Advanced online registration to speak at one of the hearings will open at that time, and comments can also be submitted by email or regular mail.

MTA PUBLIC HEARINGS

Mon, 3/1/10
White Plains Performing Arts Center
3rd Floor, City Center
11 City Place
Directions:
MNR to White Plains, walk south on Main Street to City Center
Bee-Line Routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 40, 41, 60, 62, 66, 77, A, B, C, D, E, H, TZx, I-Bus, OWL
I-287 to Exit 6 (Route22)

Mon, 3/1/10
Chateau Briand
440 Old Country Road, Carle Place, Long Island Wed, 3/3/10
Directions:
LIRR to Carle Place; N22, 79

Tues, 3/2/10
Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel
Phoenix Ballroom
135-20 39th Avenue, Flushing, Queens
Directions:
7 train to Flushing-Main Street; Q12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20A/B, 26, 27, 28, 34, 44, 48, 58, 25/65, 66, QBx1, N20, 21; LIRR to Flushing-Main Street

Tues, 3/2/10
College of Staten Island
Springer Concert Hall
1P Building
2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island
Directions:
S62/92; from Manhattan: X10, X11; from Brooklyn: S53 to S62/92, S93 NYCT shuttle bus will operate from CSI bus stop to concert Hall

Wed, 3/3/10
The Paradise Theater
2403 Grand Concourse at 187th Street
Bronx
Directions:
B, D, trains to Fordham Road; Bx1, Bx2, Bx12 SBS, BxM4A, BxM4B to Fordham Road; MNR to Fordham Road

Wed, 3/3/10
Brooklyn Museum
Beaux-Arts Court, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn
Directions:
2, 3 trains to Eastern Parkway-Brooklyn Museum; 4,5 trains to Franklin Avenue, Franklin Ave Shuttle S to Botanic Garden; B, Q trains to Grand Army Plaza; B41, 45, 48, 69, 71

Thurs, 3/4/10
Fashion Institute of Technology
Haft Auditorium, Seventh Avenue at 27th Street, Manhattan
Directions:
1 train to 28th Street, 1, 2, 3, A, C, E trains to 34th Street-Penn Station, B, D, F, V, N, R, Q, W trains to 34th Street-Herald Sq; M4, 6, 7, 10, 16, 20, 34, Q32

Thurs, 3/4/10
Holiday Inn-Suffern
Empire Ballroom
3 Executive Boulevard, Suffern
Directions:
MNR Port Jervis Line to Suffern
NYS Thruway (I87/287) to Exit 14B (Airmont Road). Turn north at exit, then immediate left onto Executive Boulevard