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New York commuters urged to give up seats

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The Rev Al Shartpton, (L) and shooting victim Joseph Guzman, watch demonstrators as they sit on a police bus after being arrested during a protest over the acquittal of three policemen who gunned down Sean Bell, who was unarmed, on May 7, 2008 in New York City. The demonstrators, who gathered at key bridge and tunnel crossings, hope to put pressure on the federal authorities to bring civil rights charges against the detectives. (UPI Photo/Monika Graff) 
Published: June 18, 2009 at 1:40 PM

NEW YORK, June 18 (UPI) -- The Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York says any commuters not willing to give up reserved seats to the disabled or elderly will face fines.

The New York Post said Thursday the MTA will hand out a maximum fine of $50 as well as possible jail sentences of as long as 10 days for those commuters found in violation of a related law.

While a law requiring commuters to give up seats reserved for elderly or disabled passengers had already been in place, MTA officials will advertise the new punishment plan through a poster campaign.

"We thought it might make people think twice," New York City transit spokesman Paul Fleuranges said of advertising the legal ramifications.

At least one New York commuter applauded the planned advertisement of possible punishments for those illegally monopolizing reserved seats.

"Years ago, people were glad to give their seats up without even being asked to," Evelyn Quinones, 77, told the Post.

"But the world has changed. A $50 fine might help that to get better."

Topics: Paul Fleuranges
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