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Dear New Yorkers,

The MTA has doubled the ranks of private security guards posted near subway station emergency exits that officials call the “superhighway of fare evasion.”

Budget documents show that the MTA expects to spend more than $35 million through next year on increasing to 1,000 the number of unarmed security guards whose mere presence at the gates is intended to slow the stream of fare-beaters who use them as free entrances.

The MTA estimates that it takes a $700 to $800 million hit annually from nonpayment in the subways, buses and commuter railroads, as well as at its tolled bridges and tunnels.

The private guards, contracted through the security firm Allied Universal, are rotated “strategically” among stations, an MTA spokesperson said. The agency estimated in May that fare evasion fell by 20% to 30% at the 50 stations where they were initially deployed in 2022.

The new, unarmed station guards lack law-enforcement authority. Instead, the blue-shirted gate guards in safety vests stand near emergency exits. Several told THE CITY that they are instructed to avoid confrontations while directing would-be farebeaters to the turnstiles.

Read more here about the new fare-evasion guards.

Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather Wednesday's Weather Rating: 9/10. ANOTHER GEM! High temperatures in the mid-80s with manageable dew points and a northerly breeze. A few clouds move in during the afternoon, but it's not that big of a deal. The vibes remain VERY good out there!

Our Other Top Story

New York City has denied shelter to 1,660 migrants since the May rollout of a new system of time limits designed to help the city reduce the number of people living in its migrant shelters, according to new figures obtained by THE CITY. The updated numbers from the city’s Office of Emergency Management come a week after THE CITY documented a burgeoning homeless encampment outside the city-sponsored Randall’s Island migrant shelter. Yesterday, the mayor’s chief of staff said the “issue of the encampments will be addressed.” But many encampment residents say they hadn’t been able to access resources the city claims it provides to help them thrive outside of the shelter system.

Reporter’s Notebook

The Cop and the Civilian

A week ago THE CITY revealed that the city’s police watchdog dropped three investigations of alleged misconduct by NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry because he is now serving in a civilian role, even while Daughtry openly wears a holstered handgun — a benefit typically restricted to uniformed members of service.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the NYPD asserted that an obscure provision in the city charter allows Daughtry to openly carry a gun. At the same time, the department argued through an unnamed spokesperson that the provision, section 821(a), excludes Daughtry from oversight by the Civilian Complaint Review Board, which has the power to investigate solely uniformed NYPD members.

The spokesperson declined to explain the NYPD’s reading of the charter provision.

Daughtry’s alleged misconduct took place when he was a detective in April and May 2023. The department promoted him to a civilian position in July 2023.

A spokesperson for the CCRB, whose longtime interim chair Arva Rice resigned last month following pressure from the administration of Mayor Eric Adams, declined comment.

— Yoav Gonen and Katie Honan

Ask Nellie

Thanks to our reader for this recent question: We have to purchase the new garbage bins for the new requirements. How long do you think they will last from the banging and throwing?

Answer: We can’t see the future. But we know how long the Department of Sanitation predicts the new official garbage bin will last — 10 years. That’s the span of the agency’s warranty on trash containers that will be required for every household after June 2026.

— Rachel Holliday Smith

Have a question for our newsroom? Write to ask@thecity.nyc or submit a query through our Ask Nellie portal.

Each of the stories you read in the Scoop is written by an experienced reporter who is a New Yorker just like you. When you support THE CITY, you’re supporting a team of dedicated local reporters who dig deep into the real issues facing you and your neighbors to tell the stories and provide the resources needed to thrive. We’re committed to New York City. If you’re able, make a donation to support your local news team — plus, when you make a donation of $30/month, we’ll send you a limited edition summer tote and water bottle as a thank you. Donate today.

Things To Do

Here’s what’s going on around the city this week.

Wednesday, Aug. 14: Gallery talks about artworks in the Decorative Arts and Design collection by teen museum staff. Free from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Brooklyn Museum. Wednesday, Aug. 14: A Chalk Day event for kids and families, featuring music, chalk art and more. Free from 3 to 5 p.m. in the play area of Matthews Muliner Playground in The Bronx. Wednesday, Aug. 14: A Japanese Yosakoi dance class, which is part of the Queensboro Dance Festival’s “Dancing Around the World’s Boro” series. Free from 6 to 7 p.m. at Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens.

THE KICKER: Even if you lose them, even if it ends, the city Department of Transportation is making sure you can always walk Cornelia Street again. A limited-edition run of 200 street signs are being released in honor of the Greenwich Village street’s “prominence in pop music.”

Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Wednesday.

Love,

THE CITY

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