Requires public notice and hearing prior to any planned substantial change in service

BILL NUMBER:S6130

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to requiring public notice and hearing prior to any planned substantial change in service of the Rochester-Genesee regional transportation authority

Purpose or general idea of bill

To allow for public comment, and adequate notice thereof, prior to the implementation of proposed changes in service; and to encourage public input by passengers affected in the specific areas by holding hearings and providing notice in the areas where proposed service changes take place.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 defines substantial change in service as any change in frequency of service or change in route, or complete or partial closing of a passenger stop or route.

Section 1 part (a) requires that the RGRTA shall hold a public hearing or hearings in the affected areas at least thirty days prior to implementing any substantial change in service.

Section 1 part (b) requires a public hearing or hearings to be held at least thirty days prior to a substantial change, and that the RGRTA is required to give at least thirty days notice prior to the hearing to elected officials or equivalent in areas affected with detailed information of the proposed changes. The meeting shall also be held at locations in areas affected by the changes. This part also requires posters not smaller than eleven by seventeen inches to be displayed on buses and at bus stops operating on the affected route at least thirty days prior to the public hearing or hearings with date, location and time, details of the changes in service, and information on the public's right to speak at the hearing. Part (c) requires the public hearing notices to be placed at the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, as well as in any public library in any town or along any route affected by the proposed change, as well as in any town or city hall and any post offices located in the towns or zip codes affected by the proposed change. Part (d) states that all notices in this section shall be in addition to any other notices required by law.

Justification

The RGRTA serves as the main method of transportation for a significant number of Rochester area residents who have physical disabilities. These passengers rely heavily on this service and should be afforded an opportunity to discuss and appeal any significant change in service.

Because the RGRTA provides a public service, the public has a right to express their input on bus service changes that may affect them. In order for the public to voice their opinion effectively, they must be provided with detailed information on any substantial change and a forum to express their concerns about such changes.

Current regulations require only minimal effort by authorities to inform the public about changes in services and of their right to speak at upcoming hearings. These current guidelines have proven to be unacceptable for residents with disabilities and, therefore, need to be corrected. This legislation provides new requirements that are

necessary in order to protect the public's voice in their transportation options.

Prior legislative history

A.6765 of 2007-2008 Passed Assembly/S.6843 Referred to Rules S.5648 of 2009-2010 Referred to Transportation A.6754 of 2011-12 Passed Assembly/S.4954 Referred to Transportation

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

None.

Effective date

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