Iain Forrest is an electric cellist/songwriter called Eyeglasses who has been performing in subway stations for seven years as a member of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Music Under New York program. Along with hundreds of other professional and vetted musicians in the program, he volunteers to perform in stations for free to enrich our community with music. However, the safety concerns these musicians face are alarming. In less than a year, Eyeglasses was attacked twice while performing - once put in a chokehold and another time smashed in the head with a metal bottle. Many other musicians also experience robbery, harassment, and even assault.

We need better protection measures from the MTA and NYPD to ensure the safety of these musicians as they help make subway travel more enjoyable and safer for millions of commuters and tourists daily. We propose four key changes:

1) Implementing a messaging system that allows musicians to communicate directly with each other and NYPD as needed.
2) Requiring NYPD to assess and disclose the number, types, locations, and times of crimes specifically against subway musicians, both historically and moving forward.
3) Assigning NYPD officers to musician performances at busiest stations and those with most crimes against musicians, such as Times Square and Herald Square.
4) Placing signs by performers warning potential criminals that the performers are part of MTA’s program and are being monitored and recorded.

These measures will not only protect musicians but also deter potential offenders knowing their actions will have consequences.

According to statistics from NYC Open Data, certain crime rates on subways have seen an increase over recent years. Artists who voluntarily provide valuable services that enhance commuter experiences amidst these rising crime rates must receive adequate protection. Having a vetted musician in a subway station not only entertains but projects safety and comfort, reassuring commuters they are not alone in a station especially at night.

Join us in urging the MTA and NYPD to implement these changes promptly so that our beloved musicians in Music Under New York can continue sharing their music without fear. Sign this petition today!