Res. No. 421
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation that would require the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to notify the public of bed bug infestations in the subway and bus systems.
By Council Members Treyger, Ulrich, Barron, Constantinides, Gibson, Johnson, Kallos, King, Koo, Mendez, Richards and Rodriguez
Whereas, Numerous reports of bed bugs being found in the New York City subway system were published in August and September 2014 ; and
Whereas, On September 20, 2014, the Daily News reported that there were 21 bed bug sightings during the month of August 2014, affecting the A, L, N, Q, 3, 4, 5, and 6 subway lines; and
Whereas, The same report indicated that at least 4 trains had been taken out of service due to bed bug sightings during a one-week period in early September 2014; and
Whereas, The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) confirmed that 16 trains were fumigated in August 2014 after bed bugs were found on board; and
Whereas, On September 1, 2014 a B44 bus was taken out of service after customers fled the bus due to an alleged bed bug sighting; and
Whereas, Bed bugs feed on blood and can cause significant itchiness and discomfort; and
Whereas, Customers and employees can unknowingly carry bed bugs home, leading to disruptive infestations which are expensive to eliminate and a serious burden on working families; and
Whereas, The MTA should inform the public of bed bus infestations in a timely manner so that both its customers and its employees can make informed decisions and take appropriate precautions; 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, legislation that would require the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to notify the public of bed bug infestations in the subway and bus systems.
LS# 2551, 2552
9/18/2014
JM