Bill > A04350

This bill amends the Public Authorities Law to establish new requirements for substantial changes in surface and rapid transit route services in New York City. Specifically, the bill defines a "substantial change in service" as any modification that alters service frequency by 25% or more during two consecutive hours, or involves closing a passenger station. Starting September 1, 2026, any such service change will require prior approval from both the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the NYC Transit Authority's Committee on Operations. The bill mandates that public hearings must be held at least 30 days before implementing these changes, with notices posted at affected stations and routes. The notice must include detailed information such as proposed changes, rider data, projected impacts on passengers and ridership, and financial implications. Additionally, the bill requires the MTA to conduct passenger counts six months after implementing a service change and report the results. The bill also amends meeting procedures to ensure public speaking time at board meetings, guaranteeing at least 30 minutes for public comments, with individual speakers allowed 5 minutes (or 3 minutes if many speakers are present), and requiring that meeting agendas be made available at least seven days in advance and that public comments be recorded in meeting minutes with the same detail as other agenda items.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4350