Res. No. 837 Title Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to amend section 1205 of the public authorities law to require the metropolitan transportation authority to provide free subway and bus service for senior citizens. Body By Council Members Martinez, Addabbo, Baez, Barron, Comrie, Foster, Jackson, Katz, Nelson, Seabrook and Stewart Whereas, The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has enacted a one-third fare increase that will make basic subway and bus fares rise from $1.50 to $2.00 and express bus fares rise from $3.00 to $4.00; and Whereas, Senior citizens who live in the city of New York can participate in a program that allows them to pay 50 percent of a subway, bus or express bus fare; and Whereas, After the fare increases are instituted, senior citizens will have to pay an extra 25 cents for a single subway or bus ride and an extra 50 cents for an express bus ride; and Whereas, Most senior citizens are forced to live on a limited fixed income and cannot afford to pay any fare increase; and Whereas, Any negative economic effects caused by a fare increase will be felt the most by senior citizens thereby causing them even greater financial hardship; and Whereas, Subdivision 2 of section 1205 of the Public Authorities Law authorizes the Mayor to designate reduced fares for one or more classes of transit riders as long as the City pays for the resulting differential and administrative costs; and Whereas, Section 1205 of the Public Authorities Law should be amended to require free transportation for senior citizens, however the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and/or New York State should bear all additional costs over and apart from the reduced fare program that New York City currently pays for; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to amend section 1205 of the public authorities law to require the metropolitan transportation authority to provide free subway and bus service for senior citizens. AIS LS #2179 4/24/03