Creates an extra transfer for pay-per-ride Metrocard users

BILL NUMBER:S3228

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to allowing two automatic free transfers for riders using pay-per-ride Metrocards

Purpose

To ensure that riders of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority mass-transit system do not incur extra costs due to recent cuts in service.

Summary of specific provisions

Section one of this bill amends section 1266 of the Public Authorities Law by adding a new subdivision (3-b) that requires the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to automatically apply two free transfers to each paid fare or rate and be valid for two hours from the time the fare is purchased. These transfers can used to transfer between subways and the buses that are owned and operated by the MTA as well as transfers between the MTA's buses. This transfer policy may be amended from time to time.

Section two of this bill provides that this act shall take effect immediately.

Justification

Currently, upon purchasing a pay-per-ride MetroCard, the rider is allowed one automatic free transfer per fare. Unfortunately, due to recent cutbacks in services and the outright elimination of various bus and subway lines, some riders now must purchase two fares to make their daily commute. Essentially the MTA has imposed new fares on riders who have enough trouble paying for one fare. The avoidable burden caused by these cutbacks, which is the additional financial burden, shouldn't be passed on to riders in these affected areas. This bill would ensure that no commuter or rider financially suffers due to cutbacks in service that already add time and stress to a commute.

Prior legislative history

2014: S.2092-A - Passed the Senate 2013: S.2092 - Referred to Transportation 2011-12: S.3839- Referred to Transportation

Fiscal implications

None to the State

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.