Solicitation in the Subway Entertainment or just plain annoying? Group 4 Stephanie Bellamy Jacqueline Garber Tommy Wasilowski Sarita Zhen

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Facts There are 468 subway stations in New York City. Approximately 5 million people use the New York City subway on an average work day. There are 36,127 sworn New York City Police officers.

Introduction The subway is the most efficient method of commuting from point A to point B. It can be hectic during peak hours when many people are heading to and from work. The subway can be a dangerous place due to the lack of censorship and security on every platform and subway car which can lead to serious injury and even fatality. In its simplest form, commuting on the subway can make many people feel unsafe and disturbed. How relaxing is your commute?

Introduction Commuters are often disturbed by subway performers who solicit them for money while they prepare for a long day at work and/or want a relaxing commute. While some performers are actually entertaining, they are a disturbance for commuters who are seeking to accomplish something during their commute. Have the patience to commute?

Survey When surveyed about performers in the subway, 10 students in this class had the following results: 60% were male and 40% were female. 20% use the subway between 0-1 time a month. 50% use the subway between 1-4 times a month. 30% use the subway between 1-4 times a week. 70% found the subway performers to be annoying.

Survey …continued 70% found the subway performers to be potentially dangerous. 60% said that the subways would be better if the performers were not allowed. 50% knew that performers in the subway trains themselves are illegal according to the MTA rules. 60% said that if penalties and fines were stricter, people would be less inclined to perform in subways.

Judge

Do you think this is dangerous? Entertainment goes wrong Subway performers can be entertaining and very talented. Sometimes as opposed to being disturbing, they draw a crowd. Is the subway the proper place to draw a crowd?

MTA Rules of Conduct No person may perform any act which interferes with transit service, obstructs the flow of traffic on facilities or conveyances, or may tend to interfere with the safe and efficient operation of the facilities. No person, unless authorized by the Authority, shall engage in any commercial activity in any facility and any conveyance. Commercial activities include advertising, display, sale, lease, offer for sale/lease, or distribution of food, goods, services, or entertainment, this includes the free distribution of all the above. No person shall engage in any non-transit uses upon any facility or conveyance. Non-transit uses are activities that are not directly related to the use of a facility or conveyance for transportation.

Catholic Social Teachings and Subway Performers Human Dignity Everyone is created in the image and likeness of God and has dignity and self respect. People are entitled not to be harassed or put in danger when riding the subway. Community and the Common Good We must take into account everyone else’s rights and well- being and act towards the greater good of the community. Since those who do not perform in subways exceed in number those who do, it is for the greater good that subway performers be banned.

Catholic Social Teachings and Subway Performers …Continued Participation People have a right and a duty to take part in decisions that directly affect them and not simply accept the decisions of other people. We should have a part in deciding what affects our happiness, well-being, and safety when riding the subway that we pay for.

Act

Solutions People can send letters and arrange conferences with city officials in regards to their concerns. The MTA could have a division of employees monitoring the subway stations throughout the entire day making sure that there are no performances going on. The police officers should walk through subway cars themselves making sure that the MTA Rules of conduct are being followed and that everyone on the subways cars is safe.

Our Specific Proposition Instead of the MTA trying to eliminate all performers in the subways, performers can be regulated. There could be specific, non-congested, designated areas where performers could engage in their acts. Each performer should have a Performer’s Permit which they would have to apply for with the MTA and have to pay for. Undercover police officers could monitor that each performer has a permit and that rules aren’t being broken. Required permits would help keep order in the subways and the permit dues would help finance this plan.