Romuald Zampou, a private security guard for the MTA, was terminated after being caught by The Post facilitating fare evasion by holding open emergency doors at the Herald Square subway station. Despite claiming his inability to stop fare beaters, Zampou's actions are under scrutiny by the MTA's inspector general, who emphasized the necessity for compliance from contracted vendors. The MTA has noted a significant reduction in fare evasion, particularly when security guards are present, reflecting ongoing struggles to manage fare collection amidst rising illegal activities.
A spokesperson for the MTA inspector general said their office was 'aware of the New York Post article and are of course concerned by the allegations' in it.
Zampou was spotted by The Post on two separate occasions inside the Herald Square station holding the emergency doors open for a stream of scofflaws.
Private guards have been stationed throughout the subway system as part of the MTA's contract with Allied, the world's largest private security service provider.
MTA spokesman Tim Minton stated, 'Fare evasion has been reduced 30% overall and 36% when guards are present, as the MTA uses multiple enforcement and education tools to fight it.'
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