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Public advocate Letitia James calling on MTA to end sexual violations on mass transit

City leaders are calling on the MTA to do more to prevent sexual violations on mass transit. Public advocate Letitia James made a push Tuesday for some major changes. She was joined by representatives

News 12 Staff

Oct 2, 2014, 12:11 AM

Updated 3,717 days ago

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City leaders are calling on the MTA to do more to prevent sexual violations on mass transit.
Public advocate Letitia James made a push Tuesday for some major changes. She was joined by representatives from Hollaback!, which aims to end street harassment, as well as various other advocates for ending sexual violence.
James announced that the MTA has heard their concerns, which they originally voiced in July, and plans to respond immediately. Advocates want MTA personnel to have more training on how to handle sexual lewdness, and other violations and assaults of a sexual nature on the city's subways and buses.
The group also asked for the creation of a bystander education program, increased penalties for offenders and for the installation of cameras in subway cars. A banner is expected to be installed this week on the MTA's website with links to information about sexual assault and safety tips.
The MTA plans to update subway maps to identify where you can find NYPD transit precincts. They will also be making new public service announcements and passing out brochures with information.
In response to advocates' request for the installation of cameras, the MTA says it will replace 752 cars and cameras as part of their 2015-2019 capital program, as well as install cameras in 300 news cars.
The group hopes the NYPD and MTA will work together to better prevent the incidents, keeping commuters safer.