This summer has been a nightmare for frequent MTA users, between the crippling delays throughout the E and F subway lines and the repairs being done to Penn Station terminals that will last until, at least, september 1st LIRR and MTA Subway passengers have all been experiencing what has been appropriately dubbed the “Summer from Hell”. And while the concessions have been minimal for commuters, the tracks and railways may become a much safer place to ride after a new initiative being put in place by the Manhattan District Attorney.
.
.
Set to go into effect on September 1st and only applying to rail activity in Manhattan, jumping a turnstile will no longer be seen as a Class A misdemeanor if it is not a “demonstrated threat to public safety”. Previously, turnstile jumping was officially classified as “theft of services”, usually punished by a sizable $250 fine and a couple of nights in jail, but this recent rule change will see a massive decrease of the over 20,000 misdemeanors and 10,000 arrests in Manhattan every year directly related to turnstile jumping.
.
During the official announcement of the policy change late this past June, Manhattan DA Cyrus R. Vance Jr. stressed that “criminally prosecuting New Yorkers accused of these offenses does not make us safer” and that this move will allow local officials and officers to focus on “more serious crimes”. The Legal Aid Society, a nonprofit that provides free legal services, is calling for the other boroughs to follow Manhattan’s lead and adopt the new rule, as well.
No Comments