What's happening
This bill requires the MTA to post signs at transit stations informing the public of the penalties for fare evasion.
Why it matters
Explicitly informs riders of legal consequences. By requiring clear signage near turnstiles stating that fare evasion is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine, the bill aims to ensure riders are fully aware of the seriousness of the offense before making the decision to evade fare.
May serve as a deterrent. The prominent posting of penalties could discourage potential fare evaders, potentially reducing fare losses and improving MTA revenue—an ongoing concern for transit systems facing budget challenges.
Standardizes communication and prevents ambiguity. Mandating uniform signs with specific language and font size ensures consistency across all transit stations, reducing confusion and claims of ignorance about the law or its penalties.
Raises broader questions about enforcement and equity. By emphasizing criminal penalties, the bill may spark debate about the fairness and proportionality of punishing fare evasion with possible jail time, especially given the socioeconomic profiles of many fare evaders.
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Headline styles
Post Subway Fare Evasion Signs
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to transportation
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
7401
IN SENATE
January 12, 2018
Introduced by Sen. HAMILTON -- 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 the metropolitan transportation authority providing signs that inform the public of the consequences of theft of services
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The public authorities law is amended by adding a new section 1277-b to read as follows:
§ 1277-b. Theft of services signs. 1. The authority shall create and post signage in a clear and conspicuous manner, in at least sixteen point font that will instruct the public on the consequences of theft of services as a result of using transit services without paying.
2. Such signage shall be posted on every transit facility station near the turnstiles.
3. Such signage shall state "THEFT OF SERVICES FOR JUMPING A TURNSTILE IS A CLASS A MISDEMEANOR PUNISHABLE BY UP TO 1 YEAR IMPRISONMENT AND/OR UP TO A $1000 FINE".
§ 2. This act shall take effect one year after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13434-01-7
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 the metropolitan transportation authority providing signs that inform the public of the consequences of theft of services
Purpose
This bill would require that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) post signs near every turnstile that states "THEFT OF SERVICES FOR JUMPING A TURNSTILE IS A CLASS 'A' MISDERMEANOR PUBLISHABLE BY UP TO 1 YEAR IMPRISONMENT AND/OR:UP TO A $1000 FINE."
Summary of provisions
Section 1 directs the MTA on the size and location of the signs dealing with the consequences of theft of transit services.
Section 2 This act shall take effect one year after it shall have become a law.
Justification
Some individuals don't understand the consequences and punishments for jumping a turnstile, by requiring Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to post the punishments right at the turnstile, people May realize that going to jail for up to a year and fine that can equal $1000 is big risk to avoid what is currently $2.75. The MTA currently posts signs and stickers explaining the punishment for assaulting an employee.
Legislative history
New Bill
Fiscal implications
Minimal to the MTA and may actually increase revenue by remind subway riders of the consequences of stealing transit services
Effective date
This act shall take effect one year after it shall have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.