BART backs off tactic of cutting cellphone service to thwart protests

[The Northerner]

After taking heat from the ACLU and being hacked by Anonymous for shutting down cellphone service to four stations last week, the Bay Area's BART kept cell service on during Monday protests.

Officials at Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) decided on Monday that cutting cellphone service to thwart another planned protest would cause more trouble than the protests themselves. Instead, four stations were temporarily closed, creating a chaotic rush-hour commute.

About 50 activists protesting two BART police shootings managed to disrupt local train service on Monday evening as transit officials closed several central stations to commuter travel. Before the protests began, protesters held cellphones to their ears and loudly said, "Can you hear me now?" Unlike last Thursday evening, this time they could.

Despite the presence of officers dressed in riot gear, no arrests were made.

Read more: http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2011/0816/BART-backs-off-tactic-of-cutting-cellphone-service-to-thwart-protests

[Luminous Animal]

1. Yes. Instead they closed down the entire downtown system leaving thousands stranded.