BILL NUMBER: S3771
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to requirements
for metropolitan transportation authority hearings for proposed fare
increases, major reductions of transportation and/or major service
changes
 
PURPOSE:
Requires the MTA to hold hearings regarding changes in fares or service
in each county and to limit the number of hearings per day to one.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one amends section 1263 of the public authorities law by adding
a new subdivision 10 to provide that the MTA shall hold hearings in each
county affected by proposed fare increases, major reductions of trans-
portation and/or major service changes and shall limit the number of
hearings to one per calendar day. This requirement shall not apply to
temporary or holiday service changes.
Sections two sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
During a recent round of public comment hearings regarding fare
increases and service cuts, the MTA held nine forums simultaneously in
different areas of the MTA region, inhibiting commuters access to infor-
mation and their ability to publicly comment on the proposals in three
of the MTA regions affected by these increases and/or service cuts.
Holding multiple hearings on a single day also inhibits the members of
the MTA board from attending hearings in the regions they were appointed
to represent.
This legislation would require the MTA to hold a public hearing in each
county affected by a proposed fare increase or major change in service
and limit the number of hearings to one per calendar day. These changes
will ensure that the public will have the ability to comment on proposed
changes to the cost of and level of service that the MTA provides them.
They will also ensure that board members appointed to represent the
public are able to assess the impact that such proposals will have on
their everyday lives.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: S2642 Comrie/ A388 Rosenthal L 2022 S5823
2017-18: S.4152 (Phillips) I A.5182 (Rosenthal) INFRASTRUCTURE I
referred to corporations
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become law.

Statutes affected:
S3771: 1263 public authorities law