Dropping Trash On Subway Will Cost You $100 In Fines

NEW YORK CITY, NY — Fines for dropping garbage in the New York City subway system are set to double from $50 to $100 after a rash of trash fires that caused major delays.

The MTA says more than 700 fires last year were sparked by litter on the tracks. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the increased penalties during a late-night tour of the transit system Wednesday. (For more about NYC's subway system and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

"Littering is not only illegal but dangerous and directly causes hundreds of thousands of delays, inconveniencing millions of New Yorkers," Cuomo said.

"This initiative will help stop littering-related delays at the source, improving reliability and helping the MTA deliver the subway service that New Yorkers deserve."

A fire in Upper Manhattan in July left nine people with minor injuries, shut down two lines and caused severe overcrowding. Investigators blamed it on trash on the tracks.

Along with fires, the governor said trash causes flooding because it blocks drains, meaning water on the track bed has nowhere to go.

A public awareness campaign aimed at getting people to take their trash with them is also being launched. Called "Keep It Clean," it will promote the message that "littering in subways isn't just rude, dangerous and illegal. It's un-New York and it makes everyone late, including you."

Enforcement of the fines will be the responsibility of the NYPD. The new fines take effect Sept. 13.

Lead image via YouTube