From: NewsDistribution@gaydata.com
Date: Wed, 10 May 2000 19:39:44 -0500
Subject: "SUB-HUMAN" CONDITIONS ON NYC SUBWAY SYSTEM Video from Lesbian Producers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"SUB-HUMAN" CONDITIONS ON NYC SUBWAY SYSTEM
New York, NY-- May 11, 2000 -- Are you one of the millions who travel the
New York City subway every day? If so, you know the less than desirable
conditions that straphangers have to endure.

Lesbian producers Pat Lewis and Marya Triandafellos documented the New York
City subway system by showing the horrific conditions and talking with
riders. Most riders complained about filthy platforms and subway cars,
overcrowding, inaudible public address systems, unreliable service and a
lack of security. "Everyone just wants a clean and efficient transportation
system. People are tired of getting hit with fare increases every year and
not seeing improvements in their daily commutes," says Triandafellos. "The
MTA takes in millions of dollars a week in passenger fares, but doesn't
seem to be spending it wisely on improvements that benefit daily riders. We
should be embarrassed about our subway system. We want to see improvements
now, not in 10 years," remarked Lewis.

Lewis and Triandafellos have sent copies of their video, "Sub-Human," to
city officials and MTA executives in an attempt to elicit action on subway
improvements. They are also urging subway riders to contact the offices of
MTA President, Lawrence Reuter, and City Council Member Noach Dear to
demand improvements. "We'll not going to let up on them. We want answers
from the MTA about where all this money is being spent. We'd also like to
see a subway riders' Bill of Rights like cab riders have," remarked
Triandafellos.

Other organizations such as the Straphangers Campaign, the Regional Plan
Association and New York Public Research have also been very diligent and
successful in campaigning for better subway services and conditions. They
recently won a First Amendment case against the MTA which allowed them to
run an ad campaign on MTA buses depicting the overcrowded conditions on the
NYC subway system.

The first segment of "Sub-Human" will be webcast on Thursday, May 11 after
10:30pm on the site of the Greenwich Village Gazette at www.nycny.com. The
entire video will be divided into segments and be available for viewing in
the Real video section of the site.


For additional information or copies of the video, contact:
Pat Lewis
(212) 665-4155
pat@metdesign.com


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