Railroad Forums 

Discussion related to commuter rail and rapid transit operations in the Chicago area including the South Shore Line, Metra Rail, and Chicago Transit Authority.

Moderators: metraRI, JamesT4

 #848698  by JamesT4
 
Photo Policy for the CTA off the CTA Web Site, if planning to Railfan the Chicago Transit Authority:

CTA Photo Policy:
http://www.transitchicago.com/business/photopolicy.aspx
Photo & Video Policy

The general public is permitted to use hand-held cameras to take photographs, capture digital images, and videotape within public areas of CTA stations and transit vehicles for personal, non-commercial use.

Large cameras, photo or video equipment, or ancillary equipment such as lighting, tripods, cables, etc. are prohibited (except in instances where commercial and professional photographers enter into contractual agreements with CTA).

All photographers and videographers are prohibited from entering, photographing, or videotaping non-public areas of the CTA’s transit system.

All photographers and videographers are prohibited from impeding customer traffic flow, obstructing transit operations, interfering with customers, blocking doors or stairs, and affecting the safety of CTA, its employees, or customers. All photographers and videographers must fully and immediately comply with any requests, directions, or instructions of CTA personnel related to safety concerns.
Safety Tips

* For everyone’s safety, do not use a camera’s flash if facing a person who is operating a train or bus.
* Be respectful of others - CTA customers and employees.
* Don't stand (or cause others to stand) in the way of stairs, aisles, escalators or doorways.
* Be careful! Your safety is very important to us, so stay away from platform edges and moving vehicles.
* Be safe! Don't inch backward with your camera to get a wider view - always look where you're going.

While on CTA premises, all photographers and videographers must comply with all applicable rules, including but not limited to, this policy, all applicable laws, ordinances, municipal regulations, standard operating procedures, and administrative procedures. CTA personnel may evaluate the actions of a photographer or a videographer, and if a determination is made that the actions of a photographer or videographer are not in compliance with any applicable rule, CTA personnel may terminate the permission granted by this policy.

CTA facilities and vehicles are for the exclusive use of the CTA, its employees, and its customers. Any and all permission granted to photograph and videotape in connection with this policy is subordinate to the CTA’s obligations to its customers, employees and to the general public. Loitering at CTA stations for extended periods for the purpose of taking photographs or video is prohibited.

For more information about the CTA’s Photo and Video Policy, or to make arrangements for professional, commercial, or other similar photograph and/or video activities, please contact the CTA at (312) 681-2741.
South Shore don't have any policies that I know of, but it is best to always be an guard, and use common sense, don't trespass, or get into situations that can get you either hurt, killed, arrested, getting a ticket, or getting called on.
 #959998  by JamesT4
 
Metra Photo Policy from Metra's Web Site under the last bullet on the Emergency Prepardness/ Public Awareness area of the Metra Site.
http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/util ... eness.html
Photography & Videography: For safety and security reasons, photography or videography on Metra property is only permitted in areas that are clearly open to public use. Areas that are accessible only to Metra employees, including but not limited to, the right-of way and rail yards, are highly restricted areas and are not able to be accessed for photography or videography by the general public. Metra will prosecute trespassers to the fullest extent of the law.