File #: Res 1074-2016    Version: * Name: MTA to end MetroCard expiration dates.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed (End of Session)
Committee: Committee on Transportation
On agenda: 5/25/2016
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to end MetroCard expiration dates.
Sponsors: Paul A. Vallone, Margaret S. Chin, Rosie Mendez
Council Member Sponsors: 3
Attachments: 1. May 25, 2016 - Stated Meeting Agenda with Links to Files

Res. No. 1074

 

Resolution calling upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to end MetroCard expiration dates.

 

By Council Members Vallone, Chin and Mendez

 

Whereas, According to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”), MetroCards expire two years after the initial date of purchase; and

Whereas, Although MetroCards can be refilled, a MetroCard user has up to two years from the date of expiration to transfer any unused balances to a new MetroCard; and

Whereas, The balance transfer can be done at a subway station, if done within the first year after the expiration date, or by mailing the expired MetroCard to the MTA, if done during the second year; and

Whereas, According to the New York Times article, in the decade between 2000 to 2010, the MTA accumulated $500 million in unspent fares; and

Whereas, The MTA is currently developing a new fare payment system, however, according a 2015 report in the New York Post, the new fare payment system will probably not be introduced for several years; and

Whereas, While the MTA is developing a new fare payment system, straphangers should not be forced to give away millions of dollars in unspent fares because of expiring MetroCards; now, therefore, be it

                     Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to end MetroCard expiration dates. 

GZ

LS 6978

January 28, 2016