NYC subway security guard caught holding emergency gate open for fare beaters
By Chris Harris
A private security guard hired by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and snapped by The Post holding the emergency gate open for farebeaters is out of a job.
Romuald Zampou said he was let go by MTA-contracted Allied Universal Security Services Monday — a day after The Post outed him for lending scofflaws a hand.
“They said they’d call me in the future if they had any work for me,” said Zampou, 52, who insisted his hands were tied.
“We can’t stop them, we are not the police,” he said.
A photo of Romuald Zampou, taken last week, before his firing. standing at the turnstiles in a uniform and orange and yellow security vest
3
Romuald Zampou was fired a day after the Post’s report.
Helayne Seidman
00:00
04:21
“There were too many problems at that gate. Every day, people would talk s–t to me.”
Explore More
Hudson boat mishap
Freak raw sewage boat explosion on Hudson River kills city worker
Hard-body NYC cop accused of trying to protect drug dealer boyfriend fired from force — despite ongoing lawsuit over topless pic
Screenshots showing brutal beating of two young asian teen girls in Queens park; inset showing one of the girls' backs covered in bruises
Teens attack 2 girls with bat, shave 16-year-old's head in Queens park assault
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.
A photo shows a man sneaking through the emergency gate this week in the Herald Square station.
3
Fare beaters were still sneaking through the emergency gates in the Herald Square station this week.
Helayne Seidman
Their chief responsibility is to serve as deterrents to would-be turnstile hoppers.
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.
“Vendors who contract with the MTA are expected to fully comply with the terms of those agreements,” the spokesperson added.
A photo shows the arrest of a man who crept through the emergency gate this week in the Herald Square station.
3
NYPD officers were on hand this week to crack down on offenders.
Helayne Seidman
The Post went back underground this week, where patrolling NYPD officers were spotted cracking down on suspected farebeaters, busting at least two on Wednesday at the Herald Square station.
284
What do you think? Post a comment.
The MTA has struggled to collect billions in fares, and has authorized rescue programs — such as fare hikes and congestion pricing — to balance its books.
The guards have helped reduce fare evasion, said MTA spokesman Tim Minton.
“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,” according to Minton.
Allied, confirmed that Zampou has been removed from his post, pending its own investigation. “We are in constant pursuit of ways to best serve our clients and meet their unique needs,” the company said
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings