Requires the metropolitan transportation authority to post signage over mass transit seats indicating that individuals should give up their seats for the elderly, pregnant and disabled; provides such signage shall be conspicuously posted and visible from all seats; provides costs and expenses to be paid through appropriated funds.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A170
SPONSOR: Rosenthal TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to priority
seating for pregnant, elderly, and disabled passengers
PURPOSE:
This bill requires the MTA to post signage in each subway car or bus
indicating that individuals should give up their seats for pregnant,
elderly, and disabled passengers;
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section one amends the public authorities law by adding a new section
1266-1.
Section two sets forth the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Riding the subway or taking a bus is part of nearly all New York City
residents' daily routine. Under the federal Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA), public transportation authorities are required to make prior-
ity seating available for riders with disabilities and senior citizens.
The New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) encourages
riders to similarly give up their seats to pregnant individuals. While
the MTA already designates a small number of priority seats, many commu-
ters fail to give up their seats to priority passengers, who are then
forced to stand for the entirety of their commute as a result.
This bill will help to encourage commuters to give up their seats for
pregnant, elderly, and disabled passengers by requiring signage in each
subway car or bus as well as designating certain seats as reserved for
pregnant, elderly, and disabled passengers.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: A.80 - Reported to Ways and Means
2021-22: A.147 - Reported to Ways and Means
2019-20: A.182-A - Reported to Ways and Means
2017-18: A.586-A - Reported to Ways and Means; S.6403-A - Referred to
Transportation
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Undetermined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect in 120 days.
