MBTA Photo Policy.. What the operators, cashiers, plus the rest of the

[Acela150]

Today while waiting to meet up with my GF and the kiddies I took a trip to Ashmont and hopped on the Ashmont-Mattapan trolley. I took several photographs of the subway cars and trolley cars. When at Mattapan after a trolley car operator looped her PCC while getting off asked me if I "had a permit to photograph MBTA equipment" My reply was simple.. "According to MBTA transit police photography does NOT need a permit unless it is for commercial use". Which is what I was told by a MBTA transit police sergeant 2 years ago after I was questioned at the Blue Line airport station by a Cashier who asked me "Do I have a permit" while I'm boarding. I didn't even get a chance to explain the photo policy. I am seriously considering writing the MBTA General Manager along with the Chief of MBTA transit police about this ongoing issue. Multiple rail fans have had the same experience and gave the same reply I did. It seems to me that there is no common sense with these employees. Sure I shoot with a SLR, many rail fans do! Why not??

You would think that such a major transit operator would have all employees trained on such a simply policy. In Philadelphia no one cares if you're taking pictures. I've never heard of anyone being questioned by any employee or transit police officers.

Anyway.... Does anyone have advice on what I should say in this letter?? I know Ryan wrote to MTA Maryland about something similar a while back.

TIA,

Steve

 

[Ryan]

DO IT!!!!

Everything I wrote is in the thread, feel free to crib whatever works for you. There's probably a bunch of correspondence in the thread from back when I had my run in with WMATA.

 

[Acela150]

Thanks Ryan for the support!! I knew you'd back this!

Sent from my iPhone using Amtrak Forum

 

[TinCan782]

Does MBTA publish their "rules" for photography? If so, might be good to have a copy with you in case of future encounters.

 

[Acela150]

Does MBTA publish their "rules" for photography? If so, might be good to have a copy with you in case of future encounters.

Yes. On their website. I tell whoever that it's for personal use and I don't need a permit. If they wanna be a grumpy SOB and bring the rent a cops in... That's their business..

 

[Acela150]

I have started the process by writing to MBTA customer service informing them of the actions of their employees. I will soon start a letter to the GM and Chief of police.