Transit Watch launched as Governor responds to Assault Conference

Governor Andrew A. Cuomo has announced the launch of Transit Watch, a new program to protect Metropolitan Transportation Authority personnel by offering cash rewards to help prosecute anyone who assaults an MTA employee.

Transit Watch is designed to stem assaults on subway, bus and commuter train personnel by giving riders who witness assaults an incentive of up to $2,000 to help police track down the offenders.

Transit Watch was generated by discussion at a conference sponsored this month by the MTA and Transport Workers Union Local 100 to find solutions to transit worker assaults.

"This is a big win for transit workers, who face physical assaults, verbal abuse and threats every day on the job, and who have long felt that transit assaults are given a low priority," said TWU Local 100 President John Samuelsen. "We very much appreciate Governor Cuomo's immediate action to turn a good idea into reality virtually overnight."

For the full text of the Governor's press release, click here