File #: Res 0700-2007    Version: * Name: MTA to allocate unlimited-use MetroCards to non-municipal first responders.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Transportation
On agenda: 2/1/2007
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to allocate unlimited-use MetroCards to non-municipal first responders in order to allow them quick and easy access to the subway system in the event of an emergency.
Sponsors: David I. Weprin, Vincent J. Gentile, Eric N. Gioia, G. Oliver Koppell, Darlene Mealy, Michael C. Nelson, Helen Sears, James Vacca, Alan J. Gerson, Rosie Mendez, Simcha Felder, Sara M. Gonzalez
Council Member Sponsors: 12

Res. No. 700

 

Resolution calling on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to allocate unlimited-use MetroCards to non-municipal first responders in order to allow them quick and easy access to the subway system in the event of an emergency.

 

By Council Members Weprin, Gentile, Gioia, Koppell, Mealy, Nelson, Sears, Vacca, Gerson, Mendez, Felder and Gonzalez

 

Whereas, In May 2005, the Fire Department of New York (“FDNY”) City distributed more than 1,200 Metropolitan Transit Authority (“MTA”) MetroCards to each of its engine and ladder companies, special fire units, and ambulances throughout the City, including those in the voluntary FDNY system; and

Whereas, In issuing a press release on the May 2005 MetroCard distribution, the FDNY noted that “the MetroCards, given to the Department by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), will ensure that firefighters and EMS [Emergency Medical Service] workers have quick and easy access to the subway system in the event of an emergency;” and

Whereas, The New York City Council recognizes that the MTA’s provision of MetroCards to the FDNY is a proactive and practical measure by which to increase the safety and security of New Yorkers, eliminating a possible impediment to the FDNY’s immediate emergency response in case of a crisis; and

Whereas, Non-municipal first responder services such as the city’s Volunteer Ambulance Companies, Basic Life Support (BLS) First Response Units recognized by the Regional Medical Council of NYC (REMSCO), and Auxiliary Police Support Units (APSU) provide another significant component of the City’s network of emergency service providers; and

Whereas, The City’s public transportation system is both vital to its economy and is the chief, if not only, means of commuting for many New Yorkers; and

Whereas, Non-municipal first responders should have the same quick and easy access to the subway system in the event of an emergency as their municipal counterparts; and

Whereas, Such comparable access, as provided by the MTA’s distribution of unlimited-use MetroCards to the city’s Volunteer Ambulance Companies, BLS First Response Units recognized by the REMSCO, and APSUs, would enable less restricted, better coordinated comprehensive emergency response efforts to the benefit of all New Yorkers; now, therefore, be it

                     Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to allocate unlimited-use MetroCards to non-municipal first responders in order to allow them quick and easy access to the subway system in the event of an emergency.

 

BRS

LS#1640

10/27/06