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MTA: ‘Being attacked? Press this button!’ – Metro US

MTA: ‘Being attacked? Press this button!’

Can one button save you when you’re being robbed, harassed or even worse underground?

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority thinks so. Yesterday, the MTA unveiled “Help Point” intercoms on the 6 line, where commuters can press a button for emergency help.

But not everyone is convinced a blue pole will work in dire situations. “If there’s a button, there’s nobody here to come help me,” said Christine Santos, 20, a student from the Bronx who worried about late-night muggings on empty platforms.

Andrew Albert, an MTA board member, said Help Points would be stronger if they came outfitted with cameras.

“Now that we’ve removed all these booth agents we need eyes and ears,” he told Metro. “These are no substitute for a person.”

New Yorker Charles Parisi hit the green “information” button yesterday to salvage $3.40 on an expired MetroCard. A few “Repeat that, sir” requests later, he was directed to a station agent steps away.

The Help Points were introduced after the MTA axed dozens of station agents, people who either sat in or patrolled stations to help riders.

Follow Alison Bowen on Twitter at @AlisonatMetro.