New York commuters urged to give up seats

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."