Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Reminder: You'll Get A $75 Ticket If You Walk Between Subway Cars
By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 12, 2014
Modified Jun 12, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 12, 2014
Modified Jun 12, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
For the past nine years, the MTA has prohibited walking between subway cars (unless in the case of an emergency or at the direction of the MTA/NYPD/FDNY), with rule breakers being fined $75. But does this rule really need to be enforced while a train has been idling in the station for a long time?
Reader Aaron tells us that on Sunday night, he was headed to Brooklyn for some Paulie Gee's pizza. His journey began at the 8th Avenue L station in Manhattan, where he boarded a subway car nearest the stairs, thinking it might leave soon, as did many others who crowded onto the car. But, since it's the L and it's the weekend, the train didn't leave for a long time.
Aaron noticed that the next train car was relatively empty, "Since the only open exit was a measly 1/2-door at the furthest end of the car, my companion and I ventured between stationary subway cars. We could only bask in the luxury of the empty car for a moment, as immediately upon our entrance, a plain-clothed NYPD officer instructed us to 'come with him.' "
The cop issued a $75 ticket for "unsafe riding"—and added there's an appeal process.
The MTA confirmed that the rule still applies for trains waiting in stations, but isn't having a police officer ticket subway riders passing between stationary train cars similar to cops ticketing riders for putting their feet on other subway seats in otherwise empty cars? Maybe it's quota time!
Tagged
MTA
nyc transit
subway
train
walking between subway cars
original
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
DSA to Mamdani: Fire NYPD commissioner if ICE doesn't leave NYC
The DSA's NYC chapter accused the NYPD of collaborating with ICE and demanded Mayor Mamdani hold Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch responsible.
By
Elizabeth Kim
,
Brigid Bergin
and
Ben Feuerherd
Published Oct 9, 2026 at 6:31 p.m. ET
Two people killed in Bronx vehicle crash
When officers arrived on the scene in Allerton Friday afternoon, they found three pedestrians who were unconscious with trauma to the head and body, according to the NYPD. Two individuals later died.
By
Kaya Laterman
News
Two people killed in Bronx vehicle crash
When officers arrived on the scene in Allerton Friday afternoon, they found three pedestrians who were unconscious with trauma to the head and body, according to the NYPD. Two individuals later died.
By
Kaya Laterman
NY will opt in Trump’s school choice program, Hochul says
By
Jon Campbell
Residents, lawmakers warned for months of potential for deadly ICE activity in Marble Hill
By
David Brand
Manhattan DA argues judge shouldn't dismiss state charges against Luigi Mangione
By
Samantha Max
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .