More New York Railways Prohibit Platform Smoking

G. Clay Whittaker
Posted: December 6, 2011

There’s one less place to enjoy a cigar outdoors as the anti-smoking annexation of New York continues. Metro North and Long Island Railroad platforms will join the list of territories lost as the campaign against outdoor smoking presses forward.

Current rules already prohibit smoking on trains and in any indoor area associated with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. But the new law now extends to include ticketing and boarding areas and platforms with open air, effectively banning outdoor smoking from all railways.

In order to smoke, rail patrons will now have to light up in parking lots or other off-premises locations before enter- ing their station, making hearing—and catching—a train much more difficult.

Similar restrictions were already in place in New York City and New Jersey stations.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the legislation into law on August 15 to take effect 90 days later. At first, the MTA police officers instructed to enforce the ban will be offering warnings during a grace period. But after an undefined time frame, smokers could expect to be fined $50 or even spend 30 days in jail.

In a press release, Metro North president Howard Permut said “The new law is a benefit to our customers, helping us in our efforts to provide a healthier and cleaner environment on our platforms and in our ticketing and boarding areas.” He also noted the potential for track fires caused by mishandled or still-lit tobacco products.

The MTA will also be getting the word out on the new restrictions with pre-recorded audio advisories voiced by a slew of New York celebrities.

Former Yankees, Jets, and Rangers have all lent voices to the ban, as has “Inside the Actors Studio” host James Lipton, and even one of the stars of “The Real Housewives of New York City.”

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Comments 7 comment(s)

George C — Commack, NY, USA, — December 7, 2011 1:50am ET

All I can say is bring Rudy back.

George C — Commack, NY, USA, — December 7, 2011 1:51am ET

All I can say is bring Rudy back.

Christian A — December 7, 2011 4:42pm ET

Apparently you can say it twice but I agree.

Justin O'Brien — Windsor, Ontario, Canada, — December 7, 2011 7:54pm ET

Wow, one more reason I won't be going to New York. If I can't enjoy my cigar or pipe outside, I'll spend my money in other area of the world. What a shame.

Chris Castellani — December 8, 2011 6:00pm ET

NY is not the abbv for New York State. NY is abbv for NannY state.

Ed Harvey — December 12, 2011 7:43am ET

I guess, the open air is now controlable, I wonder when the Government can take on real issues, and not chipping away at a persons rights, and crime must be at a stand still in NYC, since apparently Police have no real criminals to go after, and to bother law biding citizens. Oh! that's right your'e violating the law now!!

Ed Harvey — Auburn, WA, United States, — December 12, 2011 7:47am ET

Wow!! aprently the Government now also owns the air around you, and with these changes Crime must be at a stand still in NYC, cause the Police have nothing better to do but bother Law Bidig Citizen, Oh! that's right your'e violating the law!!

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