NJ Transit Light Rail Cars At Center Of Privacy Dispute
NEWARK, N.J. (CBS) -- How much privacy should one expect on public transit? That issue is being questioned by the New Jersey branch of the American Civil Liberties Union.
At issue are cameras used on light rail cars operated by New Jersey Transit, including the River Line between Camden and Trenton. Those cameras not only record what you do on that video, but also what you say.
Jeanne LoCicero, the ACLU's Deputy Legal Director, told KYW Newsradio "When you're sitting on a train 10 or 15 feet away from another person and you might be on the phone or sitting next to a loved one having a private conversation, you don't expect that conversation to be recorded by the government."
Nor does it appear the agency has any policies in place to control their use or how long tapes are retained. NJT declined an interview, but issued a statement citing terrorism concerns as the reason for using the cameras, while being mindful of a person's right to privacy.
LoCicero says her group will make public records requests and seek changes in state law.
