Establishes the urban rail station and underpass lighting act to improve lighting in rail stations and underpasses located in cities with a population of over one million; establishes a pilot program requiring the replacement of lighting in at least three high-density rail corridors; creates the infrastructure grant program for lighting urban rail stations and underpasses to provide matching grants to municipalities and transportation authorities that improve lighting in certain rail stations and underpasses; relates to the handling of complaints about lighting at urban rail stations and underpasses by the 311 customer service center
S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
9619
I N A S S E M B L Y
January 21, 2026
___________
Introduced by M. of A. HOOKS -- read once and referred to the Committee
on Transportation
AN ACT to establish an urban rail station and underpass lighting pilot
program; to amend the transportation law, in relation to establishing
an infrastructure grant program for lighting urban rail stations and
underpasses; to amend the administrative code of the city of New York,
in relation to the handling of complaints about lighting at urban rail
stations and underpasses by the 311 customer service center; and
providing for the repeal of certain provisions upon the expiration
thereof
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "urban rail
station and underpass lighting act (URSULA)".
§ 2. The legislature finds that insufficient lighting under elevated
train stations and rail underpasses creates safety hazards, contributes
to higher crime rates, and impairs accessibility for pedestrians,
cyclists, and motorists. Modern, energy-efficient lighting can reduce
these risks, enhance visibility, and improve community well-being.
In particular, corridors such as Roosevelt Avenue beneath the 7 train
demonstrate the urgent need for comprehensive and uniform lighting
solutions. These areas are heavily trafficked, commercially vital, and
often cited by residents and businesses as unsafe due to inadequate
lighting.
§ 3. Urban rail station and underpass lighting pilot program. 1. The
commissioner of transportation, in consultation with the metropolitan
transportation authority, shall establish and implement a pilot program
to improve lighting in rail stations and underpasses located in cities
with a population of over one million.
2. The pilot program shall include at least three high-density rail
corridors within two years of the effective date of this act, with
priority to be given to Roosevelt Avenue under the 7 train. Selected
corridors shall receive new lighting which is in compliance with
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13833-02-6
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