On a Train - Private property?

I know that you can take pictures of private places from public property (ie - take a picture of a train from across the way)

Is a train private property? They do call it public transportation after all. If they say I cant snap pics from inside the train, then I have to comply correct? They are not allowed to confiscate any equipment but can call the police if I do not comply correct? Also, how much of the "train" is private property? The train, the platform, the parking lot? Dumb question but I just wanted to know. Thanks!

Seems to me there is no difference if the train is Public Transportation.

I've never been hassled for taking pictures on (or around) a train/train station, though I am expecting it to happen one day. My opinion is that if they ask you to stop, you should stop. In the post 9/11 world, security/law enforcement personnel are more (rightly so) paranoid, since not everyone has the same intent. But thats just my n00b-pinion.

The train, and the railroad it runs on are private property. They often have their own security force, and may have their own rules regarding photography. Public transportation railroads are a bit different, since the trains and the stations are considred public places since the public has broad access to both. In a lot of cities, the local transport or metro district may lease trackage rights from a freight railroad and run the public trains across private property owned by the railroad and under the jurisdiction of the railroad's private security people. The general rule of thumb is don't make a nuisance of yourself, and don't put yourself or others in danger, and you should be ok. If asked to stop taking photos, best to move on and take it up with the head office versus trying to educate the security gaurd or local police.

In the UK all stations and vehicles are private property and it's up to the owner or transport authority what photography is allowed. Confusingly, though, they are not considered private in the sense that individuals using them can have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Therefore if photography is not forbidden by the owner one is free to make and publish (editorially) photographs of passengers.

Thanks everyone! Now what about parking lots? I'm guessing they are owned and "private property" as well? Not just at the train station but at your local store as well. So the same rules apply, if the owner says stop then stop.

Photographers Guide to Privacy

Photographers Right

Private property is not really the test as to whether you may take photographs - it's really "publicly accessible" areas that you may legally take photos as long as you are not interfering with the flow of people and operations. Bert Krages' guide linked in Dorado's post on "Photographers Rights" is wonderful. Even if you may legally take photos, however, some security guards will try to stop you (although no terrorists use cameras to blow up places). Usually you can explain what you're doing to their satisfaction.

Best,
Carolyn

I'm not sure if its the same in all US cities but in boston you can't take photos inside any of the areas owned by the MBTA including the subway and train/bus stations. Now if youre a tourist and you snap a pic in the subway or on a train you'll probably be fine. Depending on the security working in the stations someone may never bother you. But why take chances in a goverment owned building. From what Ive been told by other local Photogs its very easy to ask permission and get a "permit" as it was to shoot on the property.

And what about shooting FROM private property? The original example was from a train but could apply to a building or elsewhere as well. Say I'm shooting out the window of the train or out of the window of a building. I'm guessing they can ask me to stop because the possibility of me shooting their property is there? It seems like the best thing to do is just get a permit.