Subway security guard axed after Post story on gate creepers
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.
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'We can't stop them, we are not the police,' he said.
3 Romuald Zampou was fired a day after the Post's report.
Helayne Seidman
'There were too many problems at that gate. Every day, people would talk s–t to me.'
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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