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History
- Referred to corporations, authorities and commissions
- Referred to corporations, authorities and commissions
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Relates to the regulation of bus privatization contracts
In Assembly Committee · Corporations, Authorities And Commissions · Sponsor Michaelle C. Solages
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S1139
Title of bill
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to the regulation of bus privatization contracts
General purpose
This bill does not prevent privatization but requires a careful analysis both at the local level and by the State Comptroller to ensure that the promises being made by the private bus company are realistic and will not negatively impact the locality, the taxpayer or the transit rider.
Summary of provisions of bill
Section 1 of the bill sets for the legislative intent of the legislation.
Section 2 of the bill amends the public authorities law by adding a new section 2875-c that would require that the State Comptroller sign off on any attempt to privatize public bus service by a locality.
Section 3 of the bill sets for an effective date 90 days after it shall have been signed into law.
Justification
Several localities around the State are looking into various options to save money. One option discussed is privatizing public services, specifically public transportation.
Many times, private bus companies approach localities promising miraculous outcomes, which include cost savings and increased service quality. Most often the promises made are empty promises. The cost savings, in most cases, never materialize. There have been many cases where the costs to the locality actually increase even though a private entity has taken over primary operation of the system.
In addition, the service quality for transit riders always takes a significant hit. Usually, there are significant service and route cuts once the private bus company takes over the primary servicing of the transit system. Further, the routes that aren't cut tend to suffer from reliability and service issues. Thousands of New Yorkers rely on public transportation to get to and from work and medical services. Commuters need a public transportation system that operates in a reliable and timely manner in order to make a living and perform basic everyday life activities.
This legislation strikes a good balance between the desire of the localities to find new ways to save money and ensuring that public transportation will remain reliable and cost effective.
Legislative history
New bill
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
None
Effective date
This Act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have been signed into law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.