Yesterday, New York State’s legislative session closed quietly, with few late-night deals and almost no horse trading to speak of. After months of hard work, sustainable transportation advocates have several legislative achievements to be proud of, but work remains to be done. Below, we take stock of the session’s ramifications for transportation policy in New York State.

The Good News

Intercity bus permit bill (A4578A/S4313-B)—passed

Cross Hudson intercity bus travel has boomed in recent years, providing an alternative to driving a car in trans-Hudson gridlock, but the unregulated process of pick-up and drop-off has been a burden to New York City residents and businesses. Now, a bill supported by Tri-State, which authorizes New York City to establish an intercity bus permit system, has passed both houses and is headed for the governor’s desk.

Rider representation on NFTA’s board (S6536/A9455)—passed

Both houses passed a bill that would give riders a non-voting representative on the board of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA), which serves Buffalo and the surrounding region. After a tumultuous year spent grappling with fare hikes and service cuts, the transit authority took an important step by proposing this bill, which will ensure that riders have a voice in the decision-making process in the future. The New York State Transportation Equity Alliance (NYSTEA), of which Tri-State is a steering committee member, has been working to put rider representatives on transit authority boards statewide. While the group supported the concept of this bill, it was disappointed that the legislation did not provide a voting seat.

Proposed scalebacks of the payroll mobility tax—failed

This year, two bills attempted to chip away at the payroll mobility tax, a crucial, constantly threatened tax that helps support the MTA. A bill exempting libraries from the tax (S6079A/A8868) passed the Senate, but was stopped in the Assembly. It would have cost the MTA an estimated $1.3 million. A bill exempting political subdivisions from the tax (S6206/A9124), which would have cost the MTA far more, failed to gain traction in either house.

The Bad News

Transit commuter tax benefit on New York State income taxes (S2728-C/A 6175-B)—failed

A bill that would have partially restored a lapsed tax break for transit commuters passed the Senate, but died in the Assembly. The legislation would have allowed transit commuters to claim the same $240/month New York State tax benefit that is available to those that drive to work and park (as of January 1, transit commuters could only claim $125). Some legislators said that the bill would cost New York State too much, but the real cost of failing to pass this bill is increased traffic, air pollution, and wear-and-tear on our state’s roads.

Statewide transit lockbox (A9017-A/S6170-A)—failed

Yet again, New York State has failed to protect the dedicated funds that help keep its 130 transit systems running. This year’s improved statewide transit funding lockbox bill would have strongly discouraged raids on dedicated transit funds by requiring a “diversion impact statement” whenever taxes and fees created to fund public transit were spent for other purposes. This statement would provide a detailed explanation of the impacts of diverting dedicated transit funds on transit safety, service, and capital construction. The silver lining is that an impressive coalition formed to support this bill, with over 100 organizations statewide, including transit advocacy, planning, and environmental groups, as well as AARP, transit labor unions, and construction industry groups. The coalition is committed to moving forward with the effort to support steady, sufficient, and dedicated revenues for transit, statewide. If your organization would like to join the fight to protect dedicated transit funds, email Nadine@tstc.org.

Glass Half Empty, Glass Half Full

New York City speed cameras (A7737-A/S7481)

New York City has long wanted a demonstration program for speed enforcement cameras, but year after year, the effort has failed to gain traction in the state legislature. Part of the problem has been the lack of a Senate sponsor. This year, that changed. Senator Lanza (R-Staten Island) has stepped up to the plate and, although the legislation did not advance in either house this session, next year could be a different story.