What's happening
This bill requires the MTA to provide free transit fares for senior citizens aged 65 and older on its systems.
Why it matters
Expanding access to mobility. By eliminating fares for seniors, the bill could significantly reduce transportation costs for individuals aged 65 and over, making it easier for them to access medical care, social activities, and essential services.
Supporting independent living. Free transit can help seniors maintain independence longer, potentially delaying or reducing the need for assisted living or other support services, and fostering a greater sense of autonomy.
Potential financial impact on the MTA. The policy may reduce fare revenue for the MTA, requiring alternative funding sources or budget adjustments, which could affect service levels or investment in infrastructure.
Broader social equity implications. The measure could help address issues of isolation and economic inequality among older adults, ensuring that seniors from all income levels can participate more fully in community life.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Free Transit for Seniors
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
3 Co-sponsors
History
- Enacting clause stricken
- Referred to corporations, authorities and commissions
- Referred to corporations, authorities and commissions
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3741
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 30, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. DINOWITZ -- read once and referred to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to providing free fare on the metropolitan transportation authority transit systems
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 1266 of the public authorities law is amended by adding a new subdivision 15-a to read as follows:
15-a. (a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law or the terms of any contract, the authority, in consultation with the New York city transit authority, the Long Island Rail Road and the Metro-North Commuter Railroad Company, shall establish and implement a no fare program for transportation on New York city transit authority systems, the Long Island Rail Road and the Metro-North Commuter Railroad Company for senior citizens.
(b) In order to be eligible for such no fare program the senior citizen must be sixty-five years of age or older.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07557-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.