Ann G. Weiner, Respondent, v. Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Defendant, and New York City Transit Authority, Appellant. Henrietta Shernov, Appellant, v. New York City Transit Authority, Respondent.

Should non-police, government agencies—such as transit authorities—have a duty to protect the individuals they service?

Defendant transit authority was aware of a history of armed robberies and assaults at a particular subway station, many of which occurred during time periods where the station was unmanned by transit police or employees. The plaintiff suffered a knife wound when a robber slashed through the strap of her handbag. At the time of her robbery, no transit police or employees were scheduled to be present at the station.