NYC Cell Coverage in Tunnels Switched Off

There appears to be some confusion over who told who to do what, but the MTA of NYC has shut off cell phone service in the major tunnels leading into Manhattan. Our readers may remember that cell phones have been used in Iraq to set off IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) and were used to set off the bombs in the Madrid attack. So, at first glance, it appears to be a great idea to prevent possible attacks in New York. But Mayor Bloomberg is loudly questioning the decision for a very simple reason - with cell service off, how will riders and drivers call 911 if there is an emergency?!

(Personally, I'd just be happy to have it off the WHOLE ride. The last time I rode Metro North, there was a guy sitting in the back of the car SHOUTING into his cell phone the whole ride. He was spoken to by several riders, but each time he just shouted back "I'll just be another minute!" This episode is one of the reasons I have not ridden the train since then.)