MTA MTA Transit System Knowledge 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When patrolling a Metro-North station platform, an officer notices a package left unattended for 15 minutes. What is the correct protocol?
- Pick up the package and bring it to lost and found
- Notify a supervisor and contact the bomb squad while clearing the area (Correct answer)
- Wait 30 more minutes before taking action
- Ask nearby passengers if they recognize the package
Correct answer: Notify a supervisor and contact the bomb squad while clearing the area
Unattended packages on transit property require immediate notification to a supervisor and the bomb squad while the area is cleared as a precaution.
Question 2: Which document governs the rules of conduct for passengers using MTA subway and bus services?
- MTA Rider's Bill of Rights
- MTA Rules of Conduct (Title 21 NYCRR) (Correct answer)
- NYC Administrative Code Title 10
- Metropolitan Transportation Authority Compact
Correct answer: MTA Rules of Conduct (Title 21 NYCRR)
MTA Rules of Conduct (Title 21, NYCRR Part 1050) outline prohibited behaviors on MTA properties and the penalties for violations.
Question 3: A passenger asks an MTA Police Officer for directions to a connecting bus. What is the best response?
- Refer the passenger to a station agent only
- Provide the directions if known, or assist in finding the information (Correct answer)
- State that providing directions is not part of police duties
- Direct the passenger to the MTA website
Correct answer: Provide the directions if known, or assist in finding the information
Officers serve a community service role and should assist riders with information to improve the transit experience and build trust.
Question 4: The MTA's fare evasion enforcement policy generally refers to fare evasion as a violation of which type of law?
- Federal felony statute
- New York State Penal Law misdemeanor
- MTA Rules of Conduct civil penalty or Penal Law misdemeanor (Correct answer)
- NYC Administrative Code infraction only
Correct answer: MTA Rules of Conduct civil penalty or Penal Law misdemeanor
Fare evasion can be enforced as a civil violation under MTA Rules of Conduct or as a Penal Law 165.15 misdemeanor (theft of services) depending on circumstances.
Question 5: During a suspicious person call on an MTA commuter rail platform, an officer should FIRST:
- Detain everyone on the platform until the situation is resolved
- Observe and assess the situation before approaching (Correct answer)
- Immediately draw their firearm
- Call for backup before doing anything
Correct answer: Observe and assess the situation before approaching
Officers should observe and assess the situation to gather information before approaching, which supports informed and safe decision-making.
Question 6: What is the standard MTA Police radio communication protocol when transmitting your unit identifier?
- Use your full legal name followed by badge number
- Use your command number and shield number as assigned (Correct answer)
- Use a self-assigned call sign
- Use only your first name for anonymity
Correct answer: Use your command number and shield number as assigned
MTA Police use assigned command and shield numbers for radio identification to maintain accountability and clear communication.
MTA MTA Transit System Knowledge 2
When patrolling a Metro-North station platform, an officer notices a package left unattended for 15 minutes.
What is the correct protocol?