THE PROBLEM

Rats are proliferating in the New York City subways. Riders overwhelmingly agree -- it's getting worse. Aggressive rats are bolder about coming onto the platforms, and have even been known to bite riders. They infest the "refuse rooms" where garbage is stored. Since the Transport Workers Union began shining a spotlight on this problem, the MTA has announced a program to clean 20 stations -- that's less than four percent of the stations system wide. It's not enough. More must be done!

WHAT WE WANT

The solution is basic and simple -- but it must cover ALL subway stations. We need:

  • More trash removal pickups from each station
  • Patch up rat holes in walls and floors
  • Place more platform trash cans in stations
  • Use tight-fitting lids for trash bins, so rats can't get in
  • More extermination and follow-up

News

Subway Surfing Rat
CBSNewYork: Ride The Rails For Free With Best Rat Pic
France24: The rat race is on to find New York City subway's 'nastiest' rodent
Coverage from CNN's Situation Room