What's happening
This bill requires the MTA to provide free fares on all services at all times for New York City firefighters and fire officers.
Why it matters
Supports firefighter mobility and emergency response. By providing free, unlimited access to all MTA transit services at any time, the bill could help New York City firefighters and fire officers travel more easily to and from emergencies, training, or work assignments, potentially improving response times and operational flexibility.
Acknowledges public service contributions. The legislation explicitly recognizes the essential role of firefighters and fire officers by extending a tangible benefit, which may boost morale and signal societal appreciation for their dangerous and vital work.
Potential fiscal and operational impacts on the MTA. The loss of fare revenue from this group may be relatively modest due to their size, but the bill establishes a precedent for other public service groups to seek similar benefits, possibly affecting MTA finances and fare policy in the long term.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Free LIRR Rides for Firefighters
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
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.
Free LIRR Rides for Firefighters
In Assembly Committee · Corporations, Authorities And Commissions · Sponsor Michael G. Miller
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
6493
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
May 25, 2017
Introduced by Sen. GOLDEN -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to authorizing and directing the metropolitan transportation authority to implement a free fare program for firefighters
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 14-a to read as follows:
14-a. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law or the terms of any contract, the authority and any of its subsidiary corporations, shall establish and implement a free fare program for transportation on New York city transit authority systems, the Long Island Rail Road and the Metro-North Commuter Railroad Company for firefighters and fire officers employed by the city of New York. The free fare program established and implemented pursuant to this subdivision shall be in operation during all hours in which such authority provides railroad, subway and/or omnibus services, and such program shall not be limited in operation to off-peak hours or to any other hours designated by the authority or its subsidiary corporations.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD04974-02-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to authorizing and directing the metropolitan transportation authority to implement a free fare program for firefighters
Purpose or general idea of bill
This bill authorizes and directs the metropolitan transportation authority to implement a free fare program for New York City firefighters and fire officers.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 of the bill provides that the MTA establish and implement a free fare program on New York City Transit Authority Systems, the Long Island Railroad and the Metro North for firefighters and fire officers employed by the city of New York.
Section 2 provides for the effective date.
Existing law
The Public Authorities Law, § 1266, subdivisions 14 and 15 provide for a free fare program for police officers and for personal care workers.
Justification
Our first responders never hesitate to respond to an emergency and could provide additional aid in case of an emergency situation. Given today's climate, first responders should be encouraged to ride mass transportation in case of an emergency. Currently, members of the New York City Police Department are allowed to ride the MTA free of charge. Firefighters and Fire Officers, also as first responders, should be allowed the same privilege.
Prior legislative history
2015-2016: A8672-A - referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee.
Fiscal implications
To be determined.
Effective date
Immediately upon enactment.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.