NJ Transit's Proposed Photo Permit Policy - Alert

[RudyRockvilleMD]

The time is very short but, according to Steve Barry’s Markers Column in the August, 2005 Railfan and Railroad, New Jersey Transit proposes to require photographers who wi***o photograph New Jersey Transit’s trains from its stations or its vehicles to obtain a photo pass and a photo ID badge from New Jersey Transit’s headquarters in Newark, NJ. The photo ID badge is good for one year, and it must be displayed while taking pictures from New Jersey Transit’s property or vehicles. In addition to the photo ID photographers must obtain a photo pass by letting New Jersey Transit know of the dates, the times, and the places they will visit 24 hours in advance of their visit.

Anybody who wishes to send written comments to New Jersey Transit about their photography permit policy should address them to:

Ms Joyce Juczek
NJ Transit Corporation
One Penn Plaza East
Newark, NJ 07105 - 2246


The comments can only be sent by U.S. Mail, FedEx, or the like; there is no provision for sending comments by e-mail. The deadline for receiving comments to be legally considered is July 1, 2005.

I don't know how much good it will do for non residents of New Jersey to weigh in on NJ Transit's proposed photo permit policy, but it can't hurt; all you have to lose is a 37 cents stamp.

Rudy

[Anonymous]

This has been kicking around for a while now.

Though I can see how it would be a pain, apparently the passes are free.

[Anonymous]

this sounds good, that way they can make sure that things are on the up and up! Good idea, and it would be wise if the rest of the companies do this.
Brad

[CopCarSS]

It's their property, and they can administer it as they see fit, but the day I become a suspected criminal for taking my camera onto their premises is the day that I quit using their services. I guarantee you that if they implement this plan, should I ever be in the NJ area, I'll be using alternative transportation options.

Seriously, what is the good of this? If it's as easy to get the permit as it sounds, who wouldn't get one, including potential terrorists. And what about out of towners taking pictures? Suppose they don't know about the policy? Will their film/memory be confiscated? That'd be a pretty quick way to ruin a vacation for someone.

It really doesn't affect me, but I may pen a letter anyways.

[DPD1]

Know the dates AND times in advance? Who would actually want to bother doing all this? And I'm guessing that's exactly why they are doing it. The oldest trick in the book... Can't outlaw something outright? Then just make it so hard, nobody wants to bother anymore. And the few that do bother have their requests 'accidentally' lost, or denied for some illogical reason that nobody can really explain. I deal with getting permits to film year round... This is a tactic that has been used by government and other organizations for decades. Bottom line is, they don't want to be bothered... But they can't say no outright, so they just inundate you in bureaucratic bs until you give up.

Dave
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