BILL NUMBER: S8508
SPONSOR: MAYER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to establishing
a family fare ticket policy for any metropolitan transportation authori-
ty facility or system
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this legislation is to require the MTA to establish a
family fare ticket policy for minors aged twelve through seventeen on
the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 the public authorities law is amended by adding a new section
1266-n to to require the MTA establish a family fare ticket policy.
Section 2 sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The MTA currently offers a "family fare" discount, which allows children
between the ages of 5-11 to ride for $1 when accompanied by a fare-pay-
ing adult who is at least 18 years old, with some limitations. Children
under 5 ride for free. This program allows many families to affordably
travel on Metro-North and LIRR. Unfortunately, the MTA offers no similar
discount to children between the ages of 11 and 17.
This gap in policy makes rail transit a costly alternative to driving,
disproportionately affecting families and older children who rely on the
trains for work, school, or other essential travel. Expanding reduced
fares to include this age group would significantly ease financial
strain on parents and guardians while making public transit a more prac-
tical and attractive option for families across the region.
Beyond offering immediate economic relief, this proposal supports the
long-term success of New York's public transit system. A standardized
reduced fare policy for twelve to seventeen-year-olds will introduce
more young people to public transportation at a critical age just before
they become eligible to drive. By encouraging early adoption of train
travel, this measure fosters lifelong transit use, helps reduce roadway
congestion, and advances environmental sustainability. Expanding the
Family Fare program is a commonsense step toward a more equitable, fami-
ly-friendly, and forward-thinking transit system in New York.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become a law.