NY State Senate Bill 2009-S3899

Senate Bill S3899

2009-2010 Legislative Session

Establishes a permanent citizen's advisory committee to the metropolitan transportation authority

download bill text pdf

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Transportation Committee

Introduced
- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
Delivered to Governor
Signed By Governor

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Actions

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	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
Jan 06, 2010	referred to transportation
Apr 27, 2009	print number 3899a
Apr 27, 2009	amend and recommit to transportation
Apr 03, 2009	referred to transportation

Bill Amendments

Original

A (Active)

2009-S3899 - Details

Current Committee:: Senate Transportation

2009-S3899 - Summary

Establishes a permanent citizen's advisory committee to the metropolitan transportation authority to coordinate the activities of the New York city transit authority advisory council, the Long Island rail road commuter's council and the Metro-North rail commuter council.

2009-S3899 - Sponsor Memo

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S3899

 TITLE OF BILL :
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to
establishing a permanent citizen's advisory committee to the
metropolitan transportation authority


 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :
This bill would require the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to
set up an advisory committee to review and give comments on the MTA's
transit rebuilding programs. The committee would include
representatives of transit riders, the business community, labor, and
civic groups. The bill would also require the MTA to seek the views
and reactions of riders prior to wide-scale installation of capital
projects, such as new subway and railway cars and buses; automated
turnstiles that accept electronic fare cards; and projects to provide
more reliable service, fight transit crime, promote safety, and
increase information to riders.

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :  The public authorities law would be
amended by adding a new section 1266-i to require the Metropolitan
Transportation Authority to create a metropolitan transportation
authority capital program advisory committee. The committee would meet
at least quarterly and review and comment on the MTA's capital program
plans. The committee would consist of at least ten members chosen by

the authority and include representatives of transit riders, the
business community, labor, and civic groups. Two members shall be
selected by the labor organization representing the employees of the
NYCTA, and one each shall be selected by the employees of the
Metro-North Commuter Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road. Two
members shall be selected upon the recommendation of the New York City
Transit Authority advisory council, one each upon the recommendation
of the Metro-North Commuter Council and the Long Island Rail Road
Commuters Council.

The bill would also require the authority to seek the views and
reactions of riders prior to the wide-scale implementation of the
following kinds of capital projects: "new-technology" rolling stock
and buses; new equipment or material to provide information to riders,
such as public address systems, maps and signs; major rehabilitation
of passenger stations; automated fare collection; programs to increase
rider security, including redesign of facilities to discourage crime
and fare abuse, and passenger call-boxes and intercoms; and other
projects chosen by the authority. Rider views and reactions would be
sought through pilot projects in the facilities of the authority, the
posting of diagrams of plans at its facilities, questionnaires, and
opinion polls.

 JUSTIFICATION :
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has proposed a wide range of
new rebuilding projects as part of a third, five-year phase of its
capital program. The MTA is proposing to: rehabilitate commuter and
subway

stations; buy new buses and rail cars; make overall transit service
more reliable; improve transit security and safety and fight fare
evasion; and provide riders with better information and announcements.
It is crucial that in a time of limited resources and tough choices
that the MTA seek a broad spectrum of feedback on these projects and
that there be meaningful public involvement in developing and
fine-tuning the capital program. The advisory committee would provide
the MTA with a sustained and independent review of the merits and
progress of its continually evolving rebuilding effort. The capital
program and periodic amendments to the plan are subject to approval by
the metropolitan transportation authority capital program review
board.  That board is comprised of members of the State Assembly,
State Senate, Governor's stations; buy new buses and rail cars; make
overall transit service more reliable; improve transit security and
safety and fight fare evasion; and provide riders with better
information and announcements. It is crucial that in a time of limited
resources and tough choices that the MTA seek a broad spectrum of
feedback on these projects and that there be meaningful public
involvement in developing and fine-tuning the capital program. The
advisory committee would provide the MTA with a sustained and
independent review of the merits and progress of its continually
evolving rebuilding effort. The capital program and periodic
amendments to the plan are subject to approval by the metropolitan
transportation authority capital program review board.  That board is
comprised of members of the State Assembly, State Senate, Governor's
office, and -- for New York City Transit projects -- the Mayor's
office.  The work of the advisory committee would be of assistance to
these officials in exercising their responsibilities.

The legislation would also encourage the MTA and its subsidiaries to
conduct pilot tests of new projects to the extent practicable. When
the MTA has sought rider reaction and comment in the past, it has
helped improve projects. For example, in the 1970's, the Transit
Authority solicited public comment on a draft of the now
highly-regarded New York City subway map. The Transit Authority also
says it will be seeking detailed rider reviews of "new-technology"
subway cars prior to purchasing these cars later this decade. But such
efforts should be done more frequently and at times when they can have
an impact, as the legislation would require. For example, the Transit
Authority recently began a pilot test allowing regular riders to use
automated turnstiles and electronic fare cards -- but only after it
had already awarded the contract for producing the turnstiles.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :
New bill.

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :
None.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.

2009-S3899 - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

2009-S3899A (ACTIVE) - Details

Current Committee:: Senate Transportation

2009-S3899A (ACTIVE) - Summary

2009-S3899A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S3899A

 TITLE OF BILL :
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to
establishing a permanent citizen's advisory committee to the
metropolitan transportation authority


 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :
This bill would require the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to
set up an advisory committee to review and give comments on the MTA's
transit rebuilding programs. The committee would include
representatives of transit riders, the business community, labor, and
civic groups. The bill would also require the MTA to seek the views
and reactions of riders prior to wide-scale installation of capital
projects, such as new subway and railway cars and buses; automated
turnstiles that accept electronic fare cards; and projects to provide
more reliable service, fight transit crime, promote safety, and
increase information to riders.

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :
The public authorities law would be amended by adding a new section
1266-i to require the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to create
a metropolitan transportation authority capital program advisory
committee. The committee would meet at least quarterly and review and
comment on the MTA's capital program plans. The committee would

consist of at least ten members chosen by the authority and include
representatives of transit riders, the business community, labor, and
civic groups. Two members shall be selected by the labor organization
representing the employees of the NYCTA. and one each shall be
selected by the employees of the Metro-North Commuter Railroad and the
Long Island Rail Road, Two members shall be selected upon the
recommendation of the New York City Transit Authority advisory
council, one each upon the recommendation of the Metro-North Commuter
Council and the Long Island Rail Road commuters Council.

The bill would also require the authority to seek the views and
reactions of riders prior to the wide-scale implementation of the
following kinds of capital projects: "new-technology" rolling stock
and buses; new equipment or material to provide information to riders,
such as public address systems, maps and signs; major rehabilitation
of passenger stations; automated fare collection; programs to increase
rider security, including redesign of facilities to discourage crime
and fare abuse, and passenger call-boxes and intercoms; and other
projects chosen by the authority- Rider views and reactions would be
sought through pilot projects in the facilities of the authority, the
posting of diagrams of plans at its facilities, questionnaires, and
opinion polls.

 JUSTIFICATION :
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has proposed a wide range of
new rebuilding projects as part of a third, five-year phase of its
capital program.  The MTA is proposing to: rehabilitate commuter and
subway stations; buy new buses and rail cars; make overall transit
service more reliable; improve transit security and safety and fight
fare evasion; and provide riders with better information and
announcements. It is crucial that in a time of limited resources and
tough choices that the MTA seek a broad spectrum of feedback on these
projects and that there be meaningful public involvement in developing
and fine-tuning the capital program. The advisory committee would
provide the MTA with a sustained and independent review of the merits
and progress of its continually evolving rebuilding effort. The
capital program and periodic amendments to the plan are subject to
approval by the metropolitan transportation authority capital program
review board.  That board is comprised of members of the State
Assembly, State Senate, Governor's stations; buy new buses and rail
cars; make overall transit service more reliable; improve transit
security and safety and fight fare evasion; and provide riders with
better information and announcements. It is crucial that in a time of
limited resources and tough choices chat the MTA seek a broad spectrum
of feedback on these projects and that there be meaningful public
involvement in developing and fine-tuning the capital program. The
advisory committee would provide the MTA with a sustained and
independent review of the merits and progress of its continually
evolving rebuilding effort. The capital program and periodic
amendments to the plan are subject to approval by the metropolitan
transportation authority capital program review board.  That board is
comprised of members of the State Assembly, state Senate, Governor's
office, and -- for New York city Transit projects -- the Mayor's
office.  The work of the advisory committee would be of assistance to
these officials in exercising their responsibilities.

The legislation would also encourage the MTA and its subsidiaries to
conduct pilot tests of new projects to the extent practicable. When
the MTA has sought rider reaction and comment in the past, it has
helped improve projects. For example, in the 1970's, the Transit
Authority solicited public comment on a draft of the now
highly-regarded New York City subway map. The Transit authority also
says it will be seeking detailed rider reviews of "new-technology"
subway cars prior to purchasing these cars later this decade. But such
efforts should be done more frequently and at times when they can have
an impact, as the legislation would require. For example, the Transit
Authority recently began a pilot test allowing regular riders to use
automated turnstiles and electronic fare cards -- but only after it
had already awarded the contract for producing the turnstiles.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :
New bill.

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :
None.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.

2009-S3899A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

                            
                    S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________

                                 3899--A

                       2009-2010 Regular Sessions

                            I N  S E N A T E

                              April 3, 2009
                               ___________

Introduced by Sens. ADDABBO, THOMPSON -- read twice and ordered printed,
  and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation --
  committee  discharged,  bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and
  recommitted to said committee

AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to  establishing
  a permanent citizen's advisory committee to the metropolitan transpor-
  tation authority

  THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  Section 1. The public authorities law  is  amended  by  adding  a  new
section 1266-i to read as follows:
  S  1266-I. CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTA-
TION AUTHORITY. 1. THERE  IS  HEREBY  CREATED  WITHIN  THE  METROPOLITAN
TRANSPORTATION  AUTHORITY A PERMANENT CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY TO COORDINATE THE  ACTIVITIES  AND
EFFORTS  OF THE THREE OPERATING AGENCIES' COUNCILS SET FORTH IN SUBDIVI-
SION TWO OF THIS SECTION.
  2. THE THREE OPERATING AGENCIES' COUNCILS SHALL BE (A)  THE  NEW  YORK
CITY  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY  ADVISORY  COUNCIL,  AS  ESTABLISHED BY SECTION
TWELVE HUNDRED FOUR-A OF THIS ARTICLE; (B) THE  LONG  ISLAND  RAIL  ROAD
COMMUTER'S COUNCIL, AS ESTABLISHED BY SECTION TWELVE HUNDRED SIXTY-SIX-D
OF THIS TITLE; AND (C) THE METRO-NORTH RAIL COMMUTER'S COUNCIL AS ESTAB-
LISHED BY SECTION TWELVE HUNDRED SIXTY-SIX-E OF THIS TITLE.
  3.  SUCH  COMMITTEE SHALL SERVE AS A COORDINATING COUNCIL OF THE THREE
OPERATING AGENCIES COUNCILS PROVIDING A REGIONAL AND  BALANCED  PERSPEC-
TIVE TO THEIR WORK. SUCH COMMITTEE SHALL BE A SOURCE OF INFORMED, TIMELY
ADVICE  TO  THE  METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY, ITS SUBSIDIARIES
AND AFFILIATES ABOUT FINANCE, OPERATIONS, MANAGEMENT, PLANNING,  SERVICE
ISSUES  AND  THE  CAPITAL PROGRAM PLANS AS ESTABLISHED IN SECTION TWELVE
HUNDRED SIXTY-NINE-B OF THIS TITLE AS WELL AS ANY OTHER CAPITAL PLANS OF
THE AUTHORITY.  SUCH COMMITTEE SHALL HAVE THE SAME ACCESS TO INFORMATION

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD02125-03-9

S. 3899--A                          2

OF THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY AND  ITS  SUBSIDIARIES  AND
AFFILIATES AS THE THREE OPERATING AGENCIES' COUNCILS.
  4.  SUCH  COUNCIL  SHALL  CONSIST  OF THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW YORK CITY
TRANSIT AUTHORITY ADVISORY COUNCIL, THE LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD COMMUTER'S
COUNCIL, AND THE METRO-NORTH RAIL COMMUTER'S COUNCIL.
  5. THE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL SHALL RECEIVE NO COMPENSATION FOR  THEIR
SERVICES  BUT  SHALL  BE  REIMBURSED  FOR  ACTUAL AND NECESSARY EXPENSES
INCURRED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES.
  6. THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY  SHALL  PROVIDE  ADEQUATE
RESOURCES  AND  OTHER  ASSISTANCE  FOR  THE  PERMANENT CITIZENS ADVISORY
COMMITTEE TO THE MTA WHICH SHALL INCLUDE APPROPRIATE FUNDING  FOR  STAFF
THAT  IS SELECTED, DEDICATED TO AND CONTROLLED BY THE PERMANENT CITIZENS
ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO  THE  MTA  FOR  THE  PERMANENT  CITIZENS  ADVISORY
COMMITTEE.
  7.  THE  PERMANENT  CITIZENS  ADVISORY  COMMITTEE  TO THE METROPOLITAN
TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY AND THE AUTHORITY  MAY  ENTER  INTO  AGREEMENTS
WITH EACH OTHER TO FACILITATE THIS SECTION.
  8.  NOTHING  IN  THIS  SUBDIVISION SHALL AFFECT ANY PRESENT AGREEMENTS
BETWEEN THE AUTHORITY AND ANY ORGANIZATION.
  S 2. Subdivision 1 of section 1204-a of the public authorities law, as
added by chapter 483 of the laws of 1981, is amended to read as follows:
  1. There is hereby created the New York city transit  authority  advi-
sory  council,  to  study, investigate, monitor and make recommendations
with respect to the maintenance [and],  operation  AND  CAPITAL  PROGRAM
PLANS  AS  ESTABLISHED  IN  SECTION  TWELVE HUNDRED SIXTY-NINE-B OF THIS
TITLE AND ANY OTHER CAPITAL PLANS of the New York city transit  authori-
ty,  its  subsidiaries  and  the  Staten  Island rapid transit operating
authority. Such council shall study and investigate all aspects  of  the
day to day operations of such authority, its subsidiaries and the Staten
Island  rapid transit operating authority, monitor their performance and
recommend changes to improve the efficiency of the operation thereof.
  S 3. Subdivision 1 of section 1266-d of the public authorities law, as
added by chapter 482 of the laws of 1981, is amended to read as follows:
  1. There is hereby created the Long Island rail road commuter's  coun-
cil,  to  study,  investigate,  monitor  and  make  recommendations with
respect to the maintenance [and], operation AND CAPITAL PROGRAM PLANS AS
ESTABLISHED IN SECTION TWELVE HUNDRED SIXTY-NINE-B OF THIS TITLE AND ANY
OTHER CAPITAL PLANS of the Long Island rail  road.  Such  council  shall
study  and  investigate all aspects of the day to day operations of such
railroad, monitor its performance and recommend changes to  improve  the
efficiency of the operation thereof.
  S 4. Subdivision 1 of section 1266-e of the public authorities law, as
amended  by  chapter  669  of  the  laws  of 1986, is amended to read as
follows:
  1. There is hereby created the Metro-North rail  commuter  council  to
study, investigate, monitor and make recommendations with respect to the
maintenance [and], operation AND CAPITAL PROGRAM PLANS AS ESTABLISHED IN
SECTION  TWELVE HUNDRED SIXTY-NINE-B OF THIS TITLE AND ANY OTHER CAPITAL
PLANS of those portions of, if  any,  the  Hudson,  Harlem,  New  Haven,
Pascack  Valley and Port Jervis commuter railroad lines remaining within
the metropolitan commuter transportation district.  Such  council  shall
study  and  investigate  all aspects of the day to day operation of such
railroad lines, monitor  their  performance  and  recommend  changes  to
improve the efficiency of the operation thereof.
  S 5. This act shall take effect immediately.

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