Apparently, nobody’s watching the watchmen.
Private security guards hired by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to staff subway stations, and act as deterrents to would-be turnstile hoppers, have instead been lending a helping hand to the Big Apple fare-beaters.
The Post recently observed Allied Universal Security Services guards inside the Herald Square station holding the emergency doors open on two different occasions to let a stream of scofflaws through.
Several commuters could be seen walking up to the gate, and exchanging words with the guard, who then let them in. Whenever the guard opened the door, other fare-evaders would make a dash for it.
“Whenever the gate opens, nobody wants to pay,” offered Allied Guard Romuald Zampou, 52, from The Bronx. “They say, ‘You’re not a cop,’ and you can’t stop it.
“Once they cross the gate, you have to let them in,” he added.
Commuters seeking a free ride come up with all sorts of excuses, according to Zampou, who works five eight-hour shifts a week, making approximately $800.
“My phone is busted, my card has no money, card doesn’t work, the clerk said I can go through,” Zampou recounted. “Two people go in on one swipe. Most people don’t want to pay.”
In 2022, the MTA quietly signed a multi-million dollar contract with Pennsylvania-headquartered Allied Universal Security Services for 500 guards charged with cracking down on turnstile jumping.
Today, the subway system boasts 1,000 armed and unarmed Allied guards. To date, the MTA has forked over $35 million to the world’s largest private security firm.
It is estimated toll evaders cost the MTA up to $800 million in annual revenue.
While the armed guards make up to $100 an hour, the unarmed guards are paid up to $25 an hour. Each shift, they’re allowed a 30-minute meal break.
At the Herald Square station, three armed guards are supposed to maintain a presence close to the MetroCard machines between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. However, on multiple visits to the station over the last three weeks, The Post never once saw an armed guard at that station.
And at West 96th Street station, The Post spotted two armed Allied guards who spent the first hour of their shifts outside the station, smoking — one, a cigarette, and the other, a cigar. They were also seen stepping away several times for coffee.
Often, when they were on duty, they could be seen standing at the south entrance, leaving the north entrance vulnerable. Meanwhile, three other guards were seen in conversation with a pair of NYPD officers.
An insider told The Post the guards sometimes sleep through their shifts in their cars, or hang out in nearby diners.
“The higher-ups are all aware of what’s going on, and they’re doing nothing about it,” the source said. “And the MTA keeps paying that money each month.”
State and city politicians have long accused the MTA of mismanaging its massive $20 billion budget — like the $1 million in federal grant money it spent on a study to help the agency understand the mind of the everyday fare evader.
Even US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently blasted the agency for its “financial mismanagement” after it asked for more federal money.
The agency has struggled to collect billions in fares, and has authorized rescue programs — such as congestion pricing and fare hikes — to balance its books.
“Holding an exit gate open for riders to enter without paying is illegal and unfair to millions of New Yorkers who do pay, regardless of whether you’re a vendor or anyone else,” said MTA spokesperson Kayla Shults.
Allied did not respond to requests for comment.
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