Senate Bill S8870

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S8870

SPONSOR: JACKSON
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to authorizing
and directing the metropolitan transportation authority to implement a
free fare program for firefighters

 
PURPOSE:

This bill authorizes and directs the metropolitan transportation author-
ity to implement a free fare program for NYC firefighters and fire offi-
cers

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends section 1266 of the public authority law to add new
subdivision 14-a to provide that the MTA establish and implement a free
fare program on New York City Transit Authority Systems, The Long Island
Railroad and the Metro North for firefighters and fire officers employed
by the city of New York
              

Section 2 provides the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Adding trained Firefighters to the MTA rail system is a huge public
safety enhancement. Every day, throughout the MTA rail and subway
system, trains are stopped for medical and other emergencies. Often,
these trains are taken out of service causing system backups and delays
while the train awaits the arrival of certified medical personnel from
FDNY and NYPD. Train crews cannot simply remove sick or injured passen-
gers and leave them on the platform. Adding FDNY Firefighters who certi-
fied and experienced to provide basic emergency medical care and are
extensively trained to operate at subway and rail emergencies, will make
passengers safer and will also allow certain passengers to leave the
train with the Firefighter to await responding emergency personnel to
treat the patient. This will allow more trains to stay in service and
avoid system backups and delays.  This translates to a much safer MTA
rail system and will reduce costs attributable to excessive delays in
system operations.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2015-2016 A8672 - referred to corporations, authorities and commissions

2017-2018 A2786/ S6493 - referred to corporations, authorities and
commissions/ REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION

2019-2020 A1910 - referred to corporations, authorities and commissions

 
STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.