File #: Res 1874-2001    Version: * Name: Subway Riders Bill or Rights
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Transportation
On agenda: 4/25/2001
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to adopt, and the Legislature and the Governor of New York to enact, legislation creating a Subway Riders Bill of Rights that guarantees less crowding, more efficient and convenient service, and the right for riders to have their concerns heard.
Sponsors: Mark Green, Lucy Cruz, Stephen DiBrienza, June M. Eisland, Pedro G. Espada, Wendell Foster, Kathryn E. Freed, Sheldon S. Leffler, Margarita Lopez, Stanley E. Michels, Michael C. Nelson, Bill Perkins, Christine C. Quinn, John D. Sabini, Thomas White, Annette M. Robinson
Council Member Sponsors: 16
Attachments: 1. Memo In Support
Res. No. 1874 Title Resolution calling upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to adopt, and the Legislature and the Governor of New York to enact, legislation creating a Subway Riders Bill of Rights that guarantees less crowding, more efficient and convenient service, and the right for riders to have their concerns heard. Body By the Public Advocate (Mr. Green); also Council Members Cruz, DiBrienza, Eisland, Espada, Foster, Freed, Leffler, Lopez, Michels, Nelson, Perkins, Quinn, Sabini, White and Robinson WHEREAS, Subway ridership has increased dramatically in the past five years, by 29%, but subway service has grown much less rapidly, with only 11% growth in service planned by the end of 2001; and WHEREAS, There are real quality of life and safety issues facing subway riders in New York, including the danger of falling onto the tracks because of overcrowded platforms, jam-packed trains that cause medical emergencies requiring immediate attention, and exposure to pickpocketing; and WHEREAS, The capital program upon which future improvements in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's subway service must be based is inadequate to subsidize the acquisition of new cars, increase service during off-hours as well as rush hours, and build a new Bronx to Brooklyn Second Avenue Line, all vital to New York City's economic future and quality of life; and WHEREAS, There is currently no efficient, responsive means for riders to express their comments, positive or negative, to the persons in charge at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and there is no comprehensive evaluation of the MTA's provision of services, nor is there adequate sharing of existing data showing service problems and the level of customer satisfaction with the public; and WHEREAS, The adoption of a Subway Riders Bill of Rights by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the enactment of a statute by the Legislature and the Governor of New York ensuring the same would improve service by guaranteeing riders 1) The right to enough room 2) The right to frequent, reliable, and on-time service 3) The right to safe service 4) The right to clean stations and cars 5) The right to accurate information about delays and reroutes, and 6) The right to clear, frequent, audible announcements; now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to adopt, and the Legislature and the Governor of New York to enact, legislation creating a Subway Riders Bill of Rights that guarantees less crowding, more efficient and convenient service, and the right for riders to have their concerns heard.