MTA Chief Opposes Subway Food Ban, Cites Breakfast-Eating Kids
The head of the MTA says such a ban would negatively impact communities of color.
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2012 | Updated 8:56 AM EDT
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New York City's new transit chief says he opposes a bill that would ban food on the subways despite a rat infestation in the system.
MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota told The New York Times that he's watched too many children eating their breakfast on the train to support such a ban.
He said the ban would impact minority communities.
The bill is sponsored by state Sen. Bill Perkins of Harlem. It calls for violators to be fined up to $250.
According to a recent Straphangers Campaign survey, riders reported seeing rats on about one in 10 subway platforms.
Perkins said he was disappointed Lhota did not support the ban. He said it's important to control eating in the subways to get control of the rodent infestation.
Previous MTA chief Jay Walder also opposed the ban.
