Res. No. 70

Resolution calling upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to promulgate rules governing the use of portable telephones on the New York City mass transit system.

By Council Members Reed, Lopez, Perkins, Brewer, Oddo, Koppell and James

Whereas, Public transportation in New York City provides transportation to individuals from all parts of the world; and

                     Whereas, The passengers on the New York City buses and subways are confined in close quarters for relatively short periods of time; and

                     Whereas, Smoking and playing of portable radios are examples of conduct that is otherwise legal, but that is illegal during the short periods of time that a passenger uses the bus or subway; and

                     Whereas, These rules enhance the ride and the comfort of all passengers in a manner that is comparable to other quality of life rules; and

                     Whereas, The comfort of all passengers requires that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority enact and enforce rules that insure that passengers will not act in such a way as to cause annoyance, alarm or inconvenience to another reasonable person; and

                     Whereas, A close attention to the quality of life in our mass transit system removes stress and increases the satisfaction of the users of the system; and

Whereas, A satisfied user returns to the system and in other ways gains a favorable impression of New York City; and

Whereas, Cellular phones are often used without regard for others, and in a manner that can be obnoxious or even rude; and

Whereas, Individuals using these phones, raise their voices and in other ways intrude on the comfort of others; and

Whereas, The Metropolitan Transit Authority has rules against sound production devices and engaging in nontransit activities while in subway stations or riding on buses and subways; and

Whereas, The widespread use of portable phones is a relatively new practice; and

Whereas, These devices are susceptible to abuse and need to be regulated in a manner comparable to that applied by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to radios; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to promulgate rules governing the use of portable telephones on the New York City mass transit system.