Establishes a permanent citizen's advisory committee to the metropolitan transportation authority

The bill would also require the authority to seek the views and reactions of riders prior to the wide-scale implementation of the following kinds of capital projects: "new-technology" rolling stock and buses; new equipment or material to provide information to riders, such as public address systems, maps and signs; major rehabilitation of passenger stations; automated fare collection; programs to increase rider security, including redesign of facilities to discourage crime and fare abuse, and passenger call-boxes and intercoms; and other projects chosen by the authority- Rider views and reactions would be sought through pilot projects in the facilities of the authority, the posting of diagrams of plans at its facilities, questionnaires, and opinion polls.

Justification

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has proposed a wide range of new rebuilding projects as part of a third, five-year phase of its capital program. The MTA is proposing to: rehabilitate commuter and subway stations; buy new buses and rail cars; make overall transit service more reliable; improve transit security and safety and fight fare evasion; and provide riders with better information and announcements. It is crucial that in a time of limited resources and tough choices that the MTA seek a broad spectrum of feedback on these projects and that there be meaningful public involvement in developing and fine-tuning the capital program. The advisory committee would provide the MTA with a sustained and independent review of the merits and progress of its continually evolving rebuilding effort. The capital program and periodic amendments to the plan are subject to approval by the metropolitan transportation authority capital program review board. That board is comprised of members of the State Assembly, State Senate, Governor's stations; buy new buses and rail cars; make overall transit service more reliable; improve transit security and safety and fight fare evasion; and provide riders with better information and announcements. It is crucial that in a time of limited resources and tough choices chat the MTA seek a broad spectrum of feedback on these projects and that there be meaningful public involvement in developing and fine-tuning the capital program. The advisory committee would provide the MTA with a sustained and independent review of the merits and progress of its continually evolving rebuilding effort. The capital program and periodic amendments to the plan are subject to approval by the metropolitan transportation authority capital program review board. That board is comprised of members of the State Assembly, state Senate, Governor's office, and -- for New York city Transit projects -- the Mayor's office. The work of the advisory committee would be of assistance to these officials in exercising their responsibilities.

The legislation would also encourage the MTA and its subsidiaries to conduct pilot tests of new projects to the extent practicable. When the MTA has sought rider reaction and comment in the past, it has helped improve projects. For example, in the 1970's, the Transit Authority solicited public comment on a draft of the now highly-regarded New York City subway map. The Transit authority also says it will be seeking detailed rider reviews of "new-technology" subway cars prior to purchasing these cars later this decade. But such efforts should be done more frequently and at times when they can have an impact, as the legislation would require. For example, the Transit Authority recently began a pilot test allowing regular riders to use automated turnstiles and electronic fare cards -- but only after it had already awarded the contract for producing the turnstiles.

Prior legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.