New York Assembly Bill A05938

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/25/25
• Refer: 2/25/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Establishes a no fare program for transportation on the New York city transit authority, the Long Island Rail Road and the Metro-North Commuter Railroad Company for duly enrolled members of the auxiliary police employed by the city of New York, the counties of Nassau and Suffolk and localities within the counties of Nassau and Suffolk.

Summary

Bill A05938 proposes to amend the public authorities law to establish a no fare program for transportation on New York City transit authority systems, the Long Island Rail Road, and the Metro-North Commuter Railroad Company. This program is specifically for duly enrolled members of the auxiliary police in New York City, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. The aim of the program is to enhance safety and protection for commuters by allowing auxiliary police officers to travel without cost on these transit systems, thereby increasing their presence and ability to respond to incidents.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would create a new provision in the public authorities law, allowing auxiliary police officers to utilize public transportation systems without fare. This could lead to changes in how transit authorities manage fare collection and enforcement for this specific group, potentially impacting budget allocations and operational procedures. The legislation may also set a precedent for similar programs for other public safety personnel in the future.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill A05938 appears to be generally supportive among those who prioritize public safety and the visibility of law enforcement in transit systems. However, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for transit authorities and whether the program could lead to potential abuse or administrative challenges in managing the no fare system.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the financial burden this program could impose on transit authorities, particularly in terms of lost fare revenue. Additionally, there may be discussions about the registration and validation process for auxiliary police members, with some stakeholders potentially arguing that it could create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. Opposition may come from those concerned about the equitable treatment of all transit users and the implications of providing free transportation to a specific group.