Improves the margin of public safety by increasing mass transit ridership of specially trained first responder fire officers, firefighters, paramedics and EMTS

4 Co-sponsors

• Ruben Diaz
• George Onorato
• John L. Sampson
• Antoine M. Thompson

Title of bill

An act creating a first responder task force to improve the margin of public safety on facilities of public transportation authorities by increasing the ridership of specially trained first responder fire officers, firefighters, paramedics and EMTS; and providing for the repeal of certain provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose

This bill establishes an expert task force to study and document times where safety services were provided by employees of FDNY employed as emergency medical technicians (EMTs), advanced emergency medical technicians, firefighters, fire officers and fire marshals to the public as they ride free of charge on the facilities of public transportation authorities, in the performance of their official duties.

This bill would also implement a temporary moratorium allowing such employees to ride free of charge on public transportation while in the performance of their official duties.

Summary of provisions

Section 1: Legislative findings.

Section 2: Creates the First responder Transportation Task Force, designates its membership, requires four meetings and at least one public hearing, requires consultation with various stakeholders, and provides for staffing and support.

Section 3: Requires that the Task Force transmit a report no later than May 1, 2010.

Section 4: Enacts a pilot no fare transit program from January 1, 2010 until December 31, 2010 for FDNY employees while in the course of their duties.

Section 5: Is the effective date.

Justification

Encouraging these employees to use public transportation is a clear benefit to the public interest, in that firefighters are highly t rained in rescue and emergency medical procedures. These employees will provide the public with the much needed benefit of having extra medical personnel at mass transit facilities. In light of the MTA's most recent action of removing EMTs from being stationed at ma ss transit facilities it is of the utmost importance that the citizens of New York are fully covered with proper medical attention being available. Furthermore, In light of 9/11 Police have already been granted this right and have provided and invaluable service to the New Yorkers who ride on mass transit.

Legislative history

2007 Session: S.6093 - Referred to Rules 2008 Session: S.6093 - Referred to Transportation

Fiscal implications

None. This bill would provide a cost savings as the MTA would no longer have to stop the operation of the trains if one of the riders happens to get sick or hurt while riding on mass transit.

Effective date

Immediately. Task Force shall expire and be deemed repealed on and after December 31, 2010.