Bill > A09619

This bill, known as the "urban rail station and underpass lighting act (URSULA)," aims to improve lighting in rail stations and underpasses within cities exceeding one million in population, addressing safety and accessibility concerns caused by inadequate illumination. It establishes a pilot program requiring the replacement of lighting in at least three high-density rail corridors, prioritizing areas like Roosevelt Avenue under the 7 train, with new lighting that meets nationally recognized safety standards, such as those from the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), and encouraging the use of sustainable technologies like LED or solar power. Furthermore, the bill creates an infrastructure grant program to provide matching funds to municipalities and transportation authorities that undertake similar lighting improvements, allowing them to use existing transportation or infrastructure funds to qualify for these grants, and also permits private entities to partner in these projects. To facilitate public input, the bill mandates that the 311 customer service center in New York City will accept complaints specifically categorized as "urban rail station and underpass lighting," requiring the collection of photographic evidence, information on accidents or injuries, and precise location details to be forwarded to the relevant transportation authorities. The act also includes provisions for the promulgation of necessary rules and regulations and specifies that the pilot program provisions will expire after five years.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9619