Res. No. 867
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign into law A.6663, which would enact a Transit Rider's Bill of Rights.
By Council Members Vacca, Arroyo, Brewer, Chin, Fidler, Mendez, Rose, Vann, Williams and Nelson
Whereas, In 2010 in order to close a $800 million budget deficit, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority ("MTA") enacted drastic reductions in service, such as the elimination of two subway lines, a reduction in service on a third subway line, the elimination of service on thirty-four bus lines, and reduced service on another sixty-five bus lines; and
Whereas, According to the Straphangers Campaign, the effect of these service cuts has led to longer wait times for trains and buses, more overcrowding, riders having to make additional transfers, and longer travel times for those riders that take both buses and the subway; and
Whereas, In addition to cutting service, the MTA also enacted a fare hikes which increased the cost of a weekly unlimited ride MetroCard from $27 to $29, and a monthly unlimited ride MetroCard from $89 to $104, and
Whereas, With New Yorkers paying more money for less service, it is essential that transit riders receive reliable, affordable and efficient transit; and
Whereas, The MTA should only enact fare hikes as a last resort when all other funding options have been exhausted; and
Whereas, The State and City should provide an adequate amount of funding for the MTA, in good economic times and bad; and
Whereas, New Yorkers should receive accurate real-time information and clear announcements about when trains and buses will arrive, before swiping a MetroCard, or upon arrival at a bus stop; and
Whereas, New Yorkers have a right to well-lit and safe subway and bus facilities with MTA employees on hand to provide information and to respond in case of emergency; and
Whereas, New Yorkers have a right to clean, regularly maintained MTA facilities, including subway stations, subway cars, buses and bus stops; and
Whereas, New Yorkers deserve a more accessible transit system, with low floor buses, and working elevators and escalators within all subway stations; and
Whereas, New Yorkers have a right to helpful, courteous service from station agents, bus drivers and other MTA employees; and
Whereas, The MTA should provide riders with a transparent and easy to use line of communication to address rider concerns and complaints; and
Whereas, The MTA should prioritize the operation, maintenance and improvement of the existing train and bus network before its expansion; and
Whereas, There should be a minimum of one transit worker and one transit rider as voting members of the MTA Board of Directors; and
Whereas, Currently there is a bill pending in the State Assembly, A.6663, which would amend the New York State Public Authorities Law to enact a "Transit Rider's Bill of Rights; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign into law A.6663, which would enact a Transit Rider's Bill of Rights.
NL
LS # 1691
May 12, 2011
6:07pm