Watch CBS News

MTA Extends Commuter Train Smoking Ban To E-Cigarettes

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Smoking is not allowed on Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North trains, and officials have decided electronic cigarettes are included in that ban.

As 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck reported Sunday morning, electronic cigarettes emit a water vapor and not smoke, but no matter – the Metropolitan Transportation Authority does not want them on the LIRR or Metro-North trains.

MTA Extends Commuter Train Smoking Ban To E-Cigarettes

The agency wants no smoking of any kind.

Brianna, who rides every day from Merrick, said the policy suits her just fine.

"Smoking, I don't want smoking on the trains," she said.

Even though defenders of electronic cigarettes point out they are not blowing smoke in anyone's face, Brianna said train cars still are not the place for the devices.

"Let them do it off the train," she said.

Brianna's friend, Jennifer, agreed – and called smoking "old news."

"Other people are uncomfortable. It should be about the comfort of the masses," she said. "Smoking is smoking. If you're going to ban it, let them ban it across the board."

Restrictions are already in place statewide on electronic cigarettes. Last year, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a ban on the sale of the devices to anyone under 18, and made it illegal to smoke them within 100 feet of entrances to public or private schools.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.