What's happening
This bill caps paratransit fares so they cannot be higher than base fares for non-disabled adults using public transit.
Why it matters
Ensures fare equity for disabled riders. By preventing paratransit fares from exceeding those of standard adult transit, the bill directly addresses a longstanding disparity that often results in higher transportation costs for people with disabilities.
Improves accessibility and independence. Lowering or capping paratransit fares may lead to greater mobility for disabled individuals, making it easier to access jobs, healthcare, and community activities without being disproportionately burdened by transit costs.
Mandates compliance regardless of contracts. The bill explicitly overrides any existing contracts or agreements that might allow higher paratransit fares, closing potential loopholes and ensuring uniform application across the state’s public transit systems.
Signals a policy shift toward inclusivity. By embedding this fare cap in law, New York is moving toward a more inclusive public transportation policy, potentially setting a precedent for other states or transit authorities to follow.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Cap Paratransit Fares
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
7 Co-sponsors
3 Multi-sponsors
History
- Enacting clause stricken
- 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.
Cap Paratransit Fare Costs
In Senate Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Marisol Alcantara
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3980
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 30, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. SEPULVEDA -- read once and referred to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
AN ACT to amend the transportation law and the public authorities law, in relation to capping fares for paratransit transportation
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Clause (a) of subparagraph 4 of paragraph a of subdivision 5 of section 15-b of the transportation law, as added by chapter 498 of the laws of 1984, is amended to read as follows:
(a) Fares, and other charges for paratransit transportation. In determining such fares and other charges the committee shall consider the nature of such services, the cost and expense of maintaining paratransit facilities in good condition and repair and the capital and operating expenses of the contractor. Fares for paratransit transportation shall be set at levels based on the criteria set forth in this section; provided that fares for paratransit transportation shall be set no higher than the base fares for transportation of non-disabled adults utilizing the transit system;
§ 2. Section 1266 of the public authorities law is amended by adding a new subdivision 15-a to read as follows:
15-a. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law or the terms of any contract, the authority shall not set fares for paratransit transportation higher than the base fares for transportation of non-disabled adults utilizing the transit system.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06936-01-7
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.