N.Y. MTA seeks to recover money made off transit imposter's film
Darius McCollum, who's been arrested 30 times for transit-related crimes, told AP that his uncontrollable obsession with buses and trains is because of an autism-spectrum disorder and he needs help.
N.Y. MTA
N.Y. MTA
NEW YORK CITY — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said Monday that it will try to recoup any money transit imposter, Darius McCollum makes off a feature film in development about his life stealing buses and trains, reported The Associated Press.
McCollum, who's been arrested 30 times for transit-related crimes, told AP that his uncontrollable obsession with buses and trains is because of an autism-spectrum disorder and he needs help. He was most recently arrested in November, when he was accused of stealing a Greyhound bus from a terminal in New Jersey and driving it to Brooklyn.
The 50-year-old McCollum, who 's story has been in newspapers and magazines for decades, had the subway map memorized by age 8. A documentary about his life, "Off the Rails," will premiere at a film festival in Durham, N.C. in April and a feature film, tentatively titled "Train Man," was sold to a financer and is set to star Julia Roberts as McCollum's attorney, Sally Butler, according to the AP report.
For the full story, click here.
More Security and Safety
Transit Agencies Highlight Safety Gains at National Summit
Leaders from 15 major transit systems shared crime-reduction results and safety initiatives while discussing the role of continued federal support.
Read More →
DART Launches Major Security, Fare Enforcement Initiative
The 90-day demonstration will deploy coordinated security teams at five light rail stations while testing controlled access and gathering data to guide future investments.
Read More →
RTD Launches NextRide App to Consolidate Trip Planning, Fares, Security Reporting
The app expands on RTD’s existing NextRide web application and allows customers to view real-time vehicle locations and service alerts, purchase and store digital fares, and access customer support.
Read More →
TAPTCO Updates OSHA Compliance Training for Transit Maintenance Operations
The revamped program addresses 26 OSHA standards for maintenance facilities, with TAPTCO pointing to training, documentation, and everyday shop hazards as continuing challenges for transit operations.
Read More →
How VaporVision Adds Value to Transit Door Systems
Wabtec engineers explain how the system improves doorway detection, strengthens diagnostics and gives transit agencies and OEMs greater operating flexibility.
Read More →
FRA Announces $5.3B in Rail Investments, Including $2B for Amtrak
Funding will support grade-crossing improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and new Amtrak equipment in 23 states.
Read More →
Chicago, Maryland Expand Non-Law-Enforcement Safety, Rider Support
The CTA and MTA are launching new programs aimed at de-escalation, crisis response, rider assistance, and greater transparency.
Read More →
LA Metro, City of West Hollywood, and Partners Advance Smarter Bus Lane Enforcement
The award-winning partnership combines AI-powered detection with human oversight to improve bus reliability, accessibility, and enforcement efficiency.
Read More →
LA Metro Reports 57% Decline in Homelessness on Transit System Since 2024
The agency's latest homelessness count offers new data on how care-based services and cross-sector partnerships can complement traditional transit security strategies.
Read More →
FTA Launches 'Transit Moves America' Dashboard to Highlight Agency Safety and Performance
The online dashboard transforms National Transit Database information into a public-facing resource that allows users to compare transit agencies on key operational and safety metrics.
Read More →