Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

After a sharp increase in smartphone snatches last April and May, transit police increased patrols, conducted undercover missions, scoured agency security cameras and video and dedicated two officers to investigate the robberies.

An investigation culminated in the dismissal of eight TTC transit enforcement officers, five of whom were arrested and face charges of attempt to obstruct justice and fabricate evidence. The five officers allegedly submitted false offense tickets to individuals of no fixed address for panhandling on TTC property, loitering or trespassing.

A former student has been charged with two counts of fraud for allegedly buying the passes from students and selling them for a profit on Craigslist. Charges could also be pressed against the students who sold their passes, police say.

New posters urge riders to keep a close watch over personal electronic devices, particularly when seated or standing near doors.

Due to the growing problem, some MTA board members are pushing for a new prosecutor appointed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to specifically handle subway crimes.

Reminds riders that stations and vehicles are an extension of city streets and require the same level of vigilance. Recent targeting of smart phones and other high-end electronic devices by thieves are the focus of the 2,000-plus public service ads in place on Muni buses and light rail trains.

The agency released a five-year crime report showing that crime on the transit system has decreased since 2010, but the crime rate was still higher in 2011 than at other major transit agencies.

Metal scavengers are cutting copper wires from overhead poles and between tracks, stranding trains and endangering passengers. As a result, the agency is spending about $500,000 a year to repair and replace damaged equipment.

In 2005, 780 crimes were reported in the MAX system, dropping to a low of 413 crime reports in 2009.

NYCT reports subway crime has risen 17 percent so far in 2011, with about 1,000 riders the victims of larceny. The Apple iPhone is listed as the most popular item to be stolen.