MTA, NYPD release plans to deal with subway sex assaults

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The MTA and NYPD have released more details on a new strategy for dealing with sexual lewdness and assaults of a sexual nature on public transit.

In July 2014, Public Advocate Letitia James joined with Hollaback!, the Center for Anti Violence Education, and other anti-sexual violence advocates to push for more training on how MTA personnel handle incidents, with the coalition calling for the NYPD and MTA to implement changes.

The agencies responded to these concerns in a letter outlining the measures they will take to keep customers safe, and assist them in respect to the reporting of any incidences of improper sexual conduct.

The new plan calls for the NYPD and the MTA to improve reporting of incidents and calls for the creation of a bystander education program.

The MTA has also plans to install cameras on new trains.

A recent study showed there were more than 3,000 subway assaults reported between 2008 and 2013.

The 4, 5 and 6 subway lines are the worst, with the majority of incidents taking place during the morning rush.