Albany, NY - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) announced that his bill to ensure MTA riders do not incur extra costs due to service cuts has passed in both houses of the legislature (A.2607/S.3228). The legislation provides MTA riders an additional free transfer between MTA buses or subways within a two hour period.

Currently, after purchasing a pay-per-ride MetroCard, riders are allowed one automatic free transfer per fare. However, when there are cutbacks in services, or in some cases the outright elimination of various bus and subway lines, some riders are forced to pay two fares to make their daily commute. “Essentially, the MTA is charging double fares to riders who have plenty of trouble paying for one fare as it is,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “The burden shouldn't be passed on to riders who already have difficult commutes, it is simply not justifiable. This bill ensures that no commuter is punished due to cutbacks in service that already add time and stress to a commute by giving them an additional free transfer.”

The legislation passed overwhelmingly in both the Assembly and in the Senate where it was sponsored by Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn), and will now be sent to the Governor’s office.