Pray Tell, What Now?

This morning, we were curious about a "prayer station" set up in the Times Square subway station. Were they praying for the MTA to fix platform gaps at the Times Square shuttle? Were they praying for the MTA to cool its squabble with a religious website whose URL is too close to the MTA's (mtainfo.com vs. mta.info)? More subway service in certain neighborhoods? No fare hike? Or were they praying for funding for the Second Avenue subway?

We didn't get to find out, because we got distracted by an argument with a transit employee who told us we couldn't take photographs in the subway. After a few volleys of "Photography is allowed" and "No, it's not" (and a few people told the employees photography was allowed, too), we decided to pray for this BS to be over and carried on with our commute.

And photography is allowed. For now. Here's more information on photographer's rights from photobloggers.org Wiki.

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By Jen Chung in News on March 16, 2007 1:26 PM

Comments [rss]

anomalous

yes, those "pet projects" like the 2nd avenue line and east side access. you might want to investigate the difference between operating budget and capital budget.

Not Amused

You'd have to be retarded to think the MTA wasn't going to jack up the fares again ! Anytime they propose new construction projects, That's just funny talk for " We need more money from you our loyal saps that we can depend on to fund our pet projects . We have the money in the budget for this project but why should we use our money that we fleeced from you last year, When we can take more out of your pocket to fund this project !"

Anya

I do not think they belong in that space any more than I think the preachers should be shouting in my face in the subway cars -- but, yeah, my first reaction was that this beats the usual Scientologist encampment there.

Jay

Thanks for the photo rights links!

I've only had a problem once when a Transit cop told me I couldn't photograph on coming trains, I told him I didn't use the flash and he was cool with that (I think!)

Samantha T

I'm sure these people have a permit, so that's what makes it legal. What harm are they doing, really?

Toby

The MTA New York City Transit Rules of Conduct will answer a lot of your questions about proper behaviour on the subway.

steve

at least they're open to what they are doing.

Have you ever seen those "stress test" tables set up in the 42nd st. hub? Many people don't know that those are Scientologists. If Scientologists are allowed to set up shop, so should anyone

mike

what i've been wondering is how is this legal. especially the people in the 42nd st tunnel between the ACE and 123 lines. the ones that put all those signs along the floor.

Tim N.

Somehow I like the city better when "God had given up on" NYC, as many of my church brethern told me back in the day.

Peter

Praying for the Second Avenue Subway is a waste of time. There are some things even God can't accomplish.

smitty

I've seen those people around for years! Particularly around 14th St/Union Sq. They just pray for you. Like say you have an illness or something, they can pray for that. Hey, free. Being pretty much an atheist, I never go for it.