Directs the metropolitan transportation authority to study and report on potentially hazardous structures and storage areas under elevated train tracks, and its commuter notification system

Title of bill

An act to direct the metropolitan transportation authority to examine, assess and report on potential hazardous structures and storage areas under the elevated train tracks; and the commuter notification system of such authority

Purpose

Directs the metropolitan transportation authority to study and report on potentially hazardous structures and storage areas under elevated train tracks, and on the efficacy of the commuter notification system.

Summary of provisions

Section one subdivision (a) requires the metropolitan transportation authority (MTA) to examine, evaluate and make recommendations relating to designating and determining those structures and storage areas under the elevated train tracks of such authority, which may pose a hazard to the facilities, infrastructure and commuters of the metropolitan transportation authority. Subdivision (b) of section one requires the MTA to examine, evaluate and make recommendations on use and effectiveness of the commuter notification system, operated by the authority, in providing timely notifications to commuters of hazards, emergencies and changes in the provision of transportation services.

Section two requires the MTA to submit, within 1 year of the effective date, to the governor and the legislature a report on its findings, conclusions and recommendations.

Section three establishes that all costs of implementing the provisions of this act shall be borne by the MTA.

Section four establishes the effective date.

Justification

Recently, Metro-North Railroad service in and out of Grand Central Station along the Harlem and Hudson lines was shut down due to a fire which began at a garden-supply business located underneath the tracks. This massive blaze caused substantial and burdensome delays for tens of thousands of commuters, as well as caused severe damage to some of the Metro-North track girders. In the days following the fire, it was discovered that the blaze originated when an employee tried to refuel a hot generator, a substantially dangerous fire hazard. In addition to utilizing flammable materials under the track, the business was also storing firewood, soil and fertilizer products. Fire safety experts stated that it is unconscionable that the MTA was unaware of such hazardous conditions existing underneath the tracks.

This legislation seeks to address these safety hazards by requiring the MTA to study and make recommendations regarding the structures and storage areas under elevated train tracks which may pose a hazard to the facilities, infrastructure and commuters of the MTA. Additionally, the bill would require the MTA to study and make recommendations on the efficacy of the commuter notification system used by the authority. Requiring this study will allow the MTA to discover potentially hazardous conditions, and thereby help prevent catastrophes such as the May l7th blaze.

Legislative history

New bill

Fiscal implications

None noted

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.