Directs the MTA to establish a half fare rate program for veterans.
Summary
Bill S05217 proposes to amend the public authorities law to establish a half fare rate program for veterans utilizing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) services in New York. The bill defines 'veteran' as a member of the armed forces who has been honorably discharged and is a resident of New York. The program is designed to provide financial relief to veterans by allowing them to travel at half the standard fare on MTA services, enhancing accessibility to public transportation for this group.
Impact
The bill will create a new program under the MTA specifically for veterans, which will not draw from the MTA's existing operating or capital budgets. Instead, it will rely solely on state appropriations for funding. This could lead to increased budgetary considerations for the state as they allocate funds to support this initiative, potentially impacting other transportation funding priorities.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill S05217 appears to be generally positive, as it aims to support veterans by providing them with reduced transportation costs. However, there may be concerns regarding the funding mechanism and the implications for the MTA's budget, which could lead to discussions about the sustainability of such a program.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the funding of the half fare program, particularly the reliance on state appropriations rather than MTA's own budget. Some stakeholders may argue that this could divert funds from other essential services or programs within the MTA. Additionally, there may be discussions about the definition of 'veteran' and whether it adequately encompasses all individuals who have served.
Relates to establishing distinctive "Women Veterans" plates and the women veterans support fund; establishes that moneys of the fund will be used for women veteran homelessness, counseling and other programs that support women veterans.
Authorizes distinctive license plates for women veterans; directs that excess service charges collected be used to support programs that support women veterans at the direction of the commissioner of veterans' services.
Directs the metropolitan transportation authority to establish a city university of New York student fare program for trains and buses which provides a full fare reduction for five train and/or bus fares each weekday equal to the standard pay-per-ride fare.