Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) that would require the MTA to notify local elected officials and community boards of any planned transit service changes unanimously passed the Assembly earlier this month.

Prior legislation, dating back to 1967, required that notification be given to the mayor and the (then) Board of Estimate. The bill, A02010, would expand notifications by mandating that borough presidents, assemblymembers, state senators and city councilmembers who represent the impacted area or areas, as well as the district managers of impacted community boards, also be notified, at least 30 days prior to the proposed service change.

“For many people, mass transit is a crucial lifeline that brings them to work, to school, to medical appointments and to visit family members, as well as providing access to the myriad educational and entertainment options that this city offers,” said Assemblyman Colton. “Service changes – which often represent reductions in service -- can have major impacts on the communities that are affected, and residents and those who represent them deserve to know in advance what changes are proposed, both so they can advocate for their needs, and so alternate arrangements can be made.”

The companion bill in the State Senate, S02217A, which is sponsored by State Senator Leroy Comrie, has been referred to the Senate’s Transportation Committee.