New York Assembly Bill A06394

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/25
• Refer: 3/4/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Requires public notice and hearing prior to any planned substantial change in service; defines "substantial change in service" to mean any change in frequency of service or change in route or complete or partial closing of a passenger stop or route; outlines places where posters shall be placed.

Summary

A06394 would amend the Public Authorities Law to require the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority to provide advance public notice and hold public hearings before making any planned “substantial change in service.” The bill defines a substantial change broadly to include changes in service frequency, route changes, and the complete or partial closing of a passenger stop or route. Under the bill, the authority would have to hold one or more public hearings at least 30 days before the change takes effect, at locations accessible to affected riders. It would also need to notify affected town board members or equivalent local officials, provide detailed information about the proposed change, and post notices on buses and at bus stops serving the affected route. Additional notice would be required at the Rochester and Monroe County central libraries, other public libraries in affected towns or routes, and in town or city halls. The bill states that these notice requirements are in addition to any other legal notice obligations and would take effect 90 days after becoming law.

Impact

The bill would add a new procedural requirement to the Public Authorities Law specifically for the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, limiting its ability to alter routes, service frequency, or stop access without first completing a notice-and-hearing process. It would not mandate any particular service level, but it would create a formal public participation step before route reductions, reroutes, or stop closures can be implemented. The affected parties would include the transit authority, riders, local governments in impacted areas, and community institutions where notices must be posted.

Sentiment

The available bill text suggests a generally pro-transparency and rider-protection approach, emphasizing public input before transit service changes are made. No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition from legislators or stakeholders in the materials supplied. Based on the bill’s structure, the likely sentiment is that it aims to ensure affected communities have notice and an opportunity to be heard before service disruptions occur.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is the scope of what counts as a “substantial change in service,” since the definition includes any change in frequency or route and even partial stop closures, which could capture relatively routine operational adjustments. Another possible concern is the administrative burden on the authority, which would need to provide multiple forms of notice, coordinate hearings, and wait at least 30 days before acting. Supporters would likely favor the added transparency and public participation, while the transit authority or others concerned about operational flexibility may view the requirements as restrictive.