Requires the appointment of a transit dependent and para-transit dependent representative on various transporation authorities

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 - Section 1299-a of the public authorities law is amended by adding two new subdivisions 18 and 19, which define the terms 'transit dependent' and 'para-transit dependent'.

Section 2 - Subdivision 1 of Section 1299-c of the public authorities law, as amended by chapter 220 of the laws of 2012, paragraph (c) as amended by chapter 176 of the laws of 2012, is amended to require that the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority add two additional voting members to the Board, one transit dependent and one para-transit dependent, appointed by the Governor and to serve 5 year terms.

Section 3 - Section 1299-bb of the public authorities law is amended by adding two new subdivisions 25 and 26, which define the terms 'transit dependent' and 'para-transit dependent'.

Section 4 - Subdivision 1 of Section 1299-dd of the public authorities law, as amended by chapter 388 of the laws of 2007, is amended so that the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority requires as members at least one transit dependent person and one para-transit dependent person, appointed by the Governor and to serve 5 year terms.

Section 5 - Section 1301 of the public authorities law is amended by adding two new subdivisions 26 and 27, which define the terms 'transit dependent' and 'para-transit dependent'.

Section 6 - Subdivision 1 of Section 1303 of the public authorities law, as amended by chapter 388 of the laws of 2007, is amended so that the Capital District Transportation Authority requires as members at least one transit dependent person and one para-transit dependent person, appointed by the Governor and to serve 5 year terms.

Section 7 - Section 1326 of the public authorities law is amended by adding two new subdivisions 26 and 27, which define the terms 'transit dependent' and 'para-transit dependent'.

Section 8 - Subdivision 1 of Section 1328 of the public authorities law, as separately amended by chapters 388 and 396 of the laws of 2007, is amended so that the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority requires as members at least one transit dependent person and one para-transit dependent person, appointed by the Governor and to serve 5 year terms.

Justification

Transit dependent and Para-transit dependent communities throughout upstate New York have recently witnessed a reduction in routes serviced and an increase in fees, given the tight fiscal climate and overall economic stresses of the past several years. Key decisions regarding re-routing, termination of certain bus and train lines, and rate increases have been made and it is important that when contemplating these issues, regional transportation authority's hear the voices of those most directly affected.

This legislation requires that the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, the Rochester-Genesee Transportation Authority, the Capital District Transportation Authority, and the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority consist of at least two voting members, one of whom is from the transit dependent community and one of whom is from the para-transit dependent community.

These individuals will serve 5 year terms and be appointed by the Governor. Local and statewide transit advocacy organizations will Submit to the Governor at least 4 names, from which two qualified individuals will be selected.

Public transit systems are very important to a wide variety of communities across the state, who rely upon them for access to services, healthcare, and employment, affordable means of transportation, and the efficient movement of people throughout regions. These communities often consist of low to moderate income individuals, senior citizens, disabled persons, or youths. Their needs are unique to each region, and including them in the decision-making process would inform each regional transportation authority of the specific needs and challenges faced by a region.

Prior legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law.