New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A07316

Introduced
3/25/25  
Refer
3/25/25  

Caption

Requires that any individual who is eligible for the Fair Fares NYC program and any person whose income is three hundred percent of the federal poverty level receive a fifty percent discount on trips using the Long Island Rail Road, paratransit services, New York city transit subways or buses, and/or Metro-North railroad; defines terms.

Impact

If enacted, A07316 would have a significant impact on the accessibility of public transportation for economically disadvantaged populations in New York City. By lowering the cost of transit, the bill seeks to alleviate some financial burdens faced by individuals and families living at or near the poverty line. This approach aligns with broader public policy goals of increasing equity in transportation access, aiming to enable better mobility for employment and essential services, thus contributing to improved quality of life for affected individuals.

Summary

Bill A07316 aims to amend the public authorities law concerning the Fair Fares NYC program in New York. The bill extends eligibility for a fifty percent fare discount to individuals who qualify for the Fair Fares program and those with incomes up to two hundred percent of the federal poverty level. This initiative is designed to make public transit more equitable and accessible for lower-income residents, specifically allowing discounts for trips using the Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, and New York City’s transit systems, including subways and buses. The bill emphasizes outreach and awareness to ensure that eligible individuals are informed about the program and its benefits.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding A07316 may include concerns about funding and implementation of the expanded program. Discussions may arise regarding the sustainability and long-term viability of offering such discounts amidst budget constraints. Additionally, stakeholders may debate the effectiveness of outreach campaigns to ensure participation, as well as potential administrative challenges in rolling out the expanded eligibility criteria. Overall, while the bill is expected to gain support due to its focus on affordability and public welfare, financial and logistical considerations could fuel discussions among legislators and community advocates.

Companion Bills

NY S03887

Same As Requires that any individual who is eligible for the Fair Fares NYC program and any person whose income is three hundred percent of the federal poverty level receive a fifty percent discount on trips using the Long Island Rail Road, paratransit services, New York city transit subways or buses, and/or Metro-North railroad; defines terms.

Previously Filed As

NY S03887

Requires that any individual who is eligible for the Fair Fares NYC program and any person whose income is three hundred percent of the federal poverty level receive a fifty percent discount on trips using the Long Island Rail Road, paratransit services, New York city transit subways or buses, and/or Metro-North railroad; defines terms.

NY S09186

Directs the metropolitan transportation authority, in consultation with the Long Island Rail Road, the New York city transit authority, and the Metro-North Commuter Railroad Company, to establish a no fare program for transportation on the Long Island Rail Road, the New York city transit authority, and the Metro-North Commuter Railroad Company for certain active duty, reserves, retired armed forces members, firefighters, and police officers.

NY A07555

Opens eligibility of paratransit services to individuals with disabilities or health conditions who are able to utilize the public buses and railroad operated by the authority.

NY A05793

Requires fares for paratransit services providing public transportation for eligible individuals with disabilities or health conditions that prevent them from using public buses and subways for some or all of their trips, to be made available at the same fares for individuals with disabilities or health conditions who are able to utilize public buses and subways.

NY S06497

Requires fares for paratransit services providing public transportation for eligible individuals with disabilities or health conditions that prevent them from using public buses and subways for some or all of their trips, to be made available at the same fares for individuals with disabilities or health conditions who are able to utilize public buses and subways.

NY S05244

Establishes a no fare program for individuals serving as full-time employees of the New York city transit authority, the Long Island Railroad and the Metro-North Commuter railroad company.

NY S09292

Directs the metropolitan transportation authority, in consultation with the Long Island Rail Road, to establish a no fare program for transportation on the Long Island Rail Road for individuals in active military service of the United States and active duty members of the New York national guard, upon showing a military or national guard identification card.

NY S07436

Requires counties and/or cities to establish a plan for providing legal counsel to persons who are defendants or respondents in eviction, ejectment and foreclosure proceedings and who are financially unable to obtain counsel; defines eligible person as one whose gross individual income is not in excess of one hundred twenty-five percent of the federal income official poverty line; requires the state to match dollar for dollar the amount counties appropriate for their plans.

NY S09718

Requires counties and/or cities to establish a plan for providing legal counsel to persons who are defendants or respondents in eviction, ejectment and foreclosure proceedings and who are financially unable to obtain counsel; defines eligible person as one whose gross individual income is not in excess of one hundred twenty-five percent of the federal income official poverty line; requires the state to match dollar for dollar the amount counties appropriate for their plans.

NY A08169

Relates to the powers and duties of the citizens advisory committee of the MTA and membership on the Long Island Rail Road commuter council, the Metro-North railroad commuter council, and the New York city transit riders council; provides such committee with access to certain information.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.