New York Assembly Bill A07217

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/21/25
• Refer: 3/21/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Exempts school buses from central business district tolls.

Summary

A07217 would amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law to exempt school buses from paying central business district tolls. The bill adds a new subdivision to section 1704-a providing that no school bus, as defined in the law, may be charged a CBD toll. It also directs that any application for the exemption be made in the manner prescribed by the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority and include information the authority reasonably requires. The measure is narrow in scope and applies specifically to school buses operating in a central business district tolling area, including New York City’s congestion pricing framework. By creating a statutory toll exemption, it would reduce operating costs for school bus operators and remove toll charges from trips made by qualifying buses. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would modify state transportation law to create a categorical toll exemption for school buses under the central business district toll program. It would affect the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority’s administration of toll exemptions and could reduce toll revenue collected from school bus trips. School districts, private school transportation providers, and other entities operating school buses would be the primary beneficiaries.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and available context, the bill appears to be presented as a straightforward relief measure for school transportation rather than a controversial policy change. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided material, so there is no evidence of formal support or opposition in the record here. The overall tone of the proposal is practical and targeted, focusing on exempting a specific class of vehicles from a toll obligation.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is the effect on the central business district toll program and its revenue base, since exempting school buses would carve out another exception from toll collection. Supporters would likely emphasize reduced costs for school transportation and the public benefit of easing school bus operations, while opponents could argue that additional exemptions undermine the tolling system’s consistency and revenue goals. No specific individuals or groups are identified in the provided discussion materials.