New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A05808

Introduced
2/20/25  
Refer
2/20/25  

Caption

Requires any proposed increase in fares by the metropolitan commuter transportation authority shall be submitted to the comptroller for approval before such fare increase takes effect; requires the metropolitan commuter transportation authority to submit a report to the comptroller which includes a justification for such proposed fare increase and the current financial condition of such authority.

Summary

Bill A05808 amends the public authorities law to require the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Authority (MCTA) to obtain approval from the state comptroller before implementing any fare increases. The bill mandates that the MCTA submit a written report justifying the proposed fare increase and detailing its current financial condition to the comptroller prior to any fare adjustments. This aims to enhance oversight and accountability regarding fare changes affecting commuters.

Impact

The bill impacts the operations of the MCTA by introducing a layer of state oversight for fare increases, which may affect the authority's ability to adjust fares swiftly in response to financial needs. It alters the existing framework by requiring a justification for fare increases, potentially leading to more transparency in fare-setting processes and ensuring that fare increases are warranted based on the authority's financial health.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill A05808 appears to be supportive among those advocating for increased accountability and transparency in public transportation fare adjustments. However, there may be concerns from MCTA officials about the potential delays and restrictions this oversight could impose on their operational flexibility.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between necessary fare increases for maintaining MCTA operations and the added bureaucratic process of obtaining state comptroller approval. Some stakeholders may argue that this could hinder timely fare adjustments, while others believe it is essential for protecting commuters from unjustified fare hikes.

Companion Bills

NY S02564

Same As Requires any proposed increase in fares by the metropolitan commuter transportation authority shall be submitted to the comptroller for approval before such fare increase takes effect; requires the metropolitan commuter transportation authority to submit a report to the comptroller which includes a justification for such proposed fare increase and the current financial condition of such authority.

Previously Filed As

NY S01542

Requires any proposed increase in fares by the metropolitan commuter transportation authority shall be submitted to the comptroller for approval before such fare increase takes effect; requires the metropolitan commuter transportation authority to submit a report to the comptroller which includes a justification for such proposed fare increase and the current financial condition of such authority.

NY S02564

Requires any proposed increase in fares by the metropolitan commuter transportation authority shall be submitted to the comptroller for approval before such fare increase takes effect; requires the metropolitan commuter transportation authority to submit a report to the comptroller which includes a justification for such proposed fare increase and the current financial condition of such authority.

NY S00020

Increases membership on the board of the metropolitan transportation authority, including members representative of commuters' advisory councils.

NY A00923

Increases membership on the board of the metropolitan transportation authority, including members representative of commuters' advisory councils.

NY S04975

Increases the threshold for office of the comptroller review of the metropolitan transportation authority discretionary awards to MWBEs and small businesses from one million dollars to one million five hundred thousand dollars.

NY A07173

Increases the threshold for office of the comptroller review of the metropolitan transportation authority discretionary awards to MWBEs and small businesses from one million dollars to one million five hundred thousand dollars.

NY A03315

Relates to requiring approval by the comptroller for a toll increase by the New York state thruway authority.

NY A02246

Relates to requiring approval by the comptroller for a toll increase by the New York state thruway authority.

NY A09356

Directs the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to establish a free bus fare program for students.

NY A09361

Directs the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to establish a free bus fare program for high school students.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.