Jeffrey L.T. von Glück Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 This may be old news to some, but NJ Transit retreated from its proposed rule to require a permit in order to photograph in public aeas on their system. Sanity has prevailed over mindless draconian measures that would do nothing to enhance security. Below is the text of Director Warrington's 30 Dec. 2005 letter (emphasis supplied):<blockquote> Thank you for your letter regarding NJ Transit's proposed amendments to NJAC 16:83, Conduct and Safety of the Public in the Use of NJ Transit Equipment and Facilities, published in the New Jersey Register as PRN 2005-156.<p> We received an unusual number of public comments, almost all of them regarding the proposed changes to the non-commercial photography policy. Your input was taken into careful consideration by senior management.<p> In fact, I personally reviewed the public comments and concluded that the proposed rule changes are impractical. I have, therefore, directed that the proposed rule amendments be withdrawn. Like the majority of transit systems around the country, <b>we will not require permits for non-commercial photography at this time.</b><p> Effective immediately, <b>we will return to our historic practice, which enables hobbyists and other non-commercial photographers to take pictures in public areas throughout the NJ Transit system without obtaining permission or providing prior notice.</b> There will also continue to be no restrictions on journalists in public areas of the system.<p> While you are on our system, I encourage you to support our police department by calling the hotline ﾗ 1-888-TIPS-NJT if you see any suspicious behavior. Also, be advised that our police, as well as local law enforcement, have a responsibility to provide for the safety and security of our customers, employees and assets. If an officer receives a complaint or observes circumstances that warrant further investigation, he or she may approach you. I ask that you cooperate fully with the officer, understanding that he or she is concerned both for your safety and the security of 800,000 commuters who ride the system every day.<p> Thank you again for taking the time to submit your comments.<p> Sincerely,<br> /s/ George D. Warrington<br> Executive Director</blockquote> This comes as good news to railfan photographers who since 9/11/01 have been treated as virtual terrorists by many public transit authorities, when in fact knowledgeable railfans are more likely to notice something out of the ordinary than the average commuter or member of the public. Jeffrey L. T. von Gluck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael j hoffman Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 Common sense prevails in politics; the apocolypse is surely upon us! Actually, if common sense prevailed anywhere, I'm not the least bit surprised that it happened in New Jersey. Every opportunity I've had to deal with any governmental authority in New Jersey has always been completely efficient. New Jersey authorities are the most efficient govenmental officials I've ever encountered; especially the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. It should be noted that I am employed by the State of Maryland and reside in the State of Pennsylvania. Neither of these governments can hold a candle to the efficiency found in New Jersey. Way to go Executive Director Warrington! I will happily make my next photo venture to the Garden State. Michael J Hoffman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmdavis Posted January 17, 2006 Share Posted January 17, 2006 I am assuming that the above comment is made in a satirical spirit. Or that the poster has never had the privilidge of attending a Jersey City municipal council meeting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael j hoffman Posted January 17, 2006 Share Posted January 17, 2006 Not at all satirical. I can only speak from my experiences with New Jersey state government. I'm sure there are efficient and not-so-efficient municipalities in every state. I love the Garden State! Michael J Hoffman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_waller Posted January 17, 2006 Share Posted January 17, 2006 This is excellent news. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr._karl_hoppe Posted January 17, 2006 Share Posted January 17, 2006 As an erstwhile resident of the Garden State, I will throw out a saying they having in South Jersey: New Jersey is run with the efficiency of Guatemala, but without the good weather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_m Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 No government is efficient, state or otherwise for the simple reason that they don't need to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig_gillette Posted January 20, 2006 Share Posted January 20, 2006 If the NJ transit operators hadn't been so hamhanded and so callous about what they were doing, this letter wouldn't have been necessary. They had plenty of advice and a junior lawyer could have told them the effort was going to be legally untenable. You think NJ approaches things reasonably, try being a sports shooter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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