BILL NUMBER: S5217
SPONSOR: SCARCELLA-SPANTON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to a half fare
rate program in the metropolitan transportation authority for veterans
 
PURPOSE:
This bill would authorize the metropolitan transportation authority
(MTA) and any of its subsidiary corporations to establish and implement
a half fare rate for veterans provided the authority shall not pay any
costs related to the program from its operating or capital budgets and
may only implement the half fare rate program with funds appropriated by
the state.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one authorizes the MTA and its subsidiary corporations which
include Metro-North and the Long Island Railroad to establish and imple-
ment a half fare rate for veterans provided the authority shall not pay
any costs of the program and may only implement the program with funds
appropriated by the state.
 
EXISTING LAW:
Currently the MTA provides a half fare rate program for those with seri-
ous mental illness.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Those who serve our country in the armed forces deserve not only our
respect, but also our gratitude for the sacrifices and risks that they
are willing to take to preserve our freedoms. Veterans should be enti-
tled to certain benefits that express that gratitude for their service.
This bill would provide a half fare program, contingent upon funds
appropriated by the state, for New York State residents who have served
as a member of our armed forces. New York has one of highest veteran
populations in the country with a strong concentration of residents in
the MTA region. However, according to the US Department of Veterans
Affairs, our state has lost almost between 30 and 35% of our veteran
population between 2000-2015, which in part can be attributed to the
state's high cost of living, particularly in the MTA region. By making
The MTA region is more affordable to live and travel in, we hope to keep
veterans in our state. The MTA has established a half fare program for
those with a serious mental illness and this would expand that program
to those who should be recognized for their service to our country.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024; Held in Senate Transportation Committee.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Undetermined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.

Statutes affected:
S5217: 1266 public authorities law