Creates an extra transfer for pay-per-ride Metrocard users

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeffrey Dinowitz and 2 co-sponsors

A1313 adds an extra transfer for pay-per-ride Metrocard users, improving transfer options and convenience, with fare-policy updates and rider communications.

REFERRED TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS

Overview

Bill Number: A 1313

Title: Creates an extra transfer for pay-per-ride Metrocard users

Status: Referred to the Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions

Introduced: January 9, 2025

Classification: Assembly bill

Sponsors: Jeffrey Dinowitz (primary); Steven Raga (cosponsor); Manny De Los Santos (cosponsor)

Related/Companion: S 2147 (companion); multiple related bills from prior sessions (A 2607, A 367, A 4855, A 9627, A 3439, A 2481, A 1283, A 774)

Purpose and Intent

The bill seeks to create an additional transfer opportunity specifically for riders who use pay-per-ride Metrocard value. In practical terms, it aims to enhance or add a transfer option for this subset of fare payment users, potentially improving transfer flexibility or convenience within the pay-per-ride fare structure.

Key Provisions (as described)

Establishes an “extra transfer” for pay-per-ride Metrocard users. The precise scope (e.g., transfer timing, eligibility window, or value) is not detailed in the information provided, but the core idea is to add a new transfer-related benefit or option for riders paying with pay-per-ride Metrocards.

Applies to users of the pay-per-ride Metrocard portion of the fare system, implying adjustments to fare rules or fare system logic to accommodate the additional transfer.

Likely involves changes to fare policy, implementation, and administration to integrate the extra transfer into the existing Metrocard framework.

Affected Parties

Primary: Riders who use pay-per-ride Metrocards.

Secondary: The transit authority or agency administering the Metrocard program (e.g., adjustments to fare logic, data tracking, and customer communications).

Other stakeholders may include card technology providers and contractors involved in fare-system operations.

Procedural Timeline and Next Steps

Current status: Referred to the Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions on January 9, 2025.

Next steps: The bill would proceed through committee stage (markup, potential amendments), then to the Assembly floor for a vote. If passed, it would move to the Senate for consideration (with a companion bill S 2147). If both houses approve, it would go to the governor for signature or veto. The text does not specify an effective date; if enacted, implementation timelines would be determined by the bill and agency regulations.

Legislative Context

The bill is part of a broader set of proposals related to Metrocard benefits and transfer rules, as indicated by multiple related and companion bills in prior sessions (e.g., A 2607, A 367, A 4855, A 9627, A 3439, A 2481, A 1283, A 774; S 2147).

The sponsors indicate broad interest in enhancing fare policies for pay-per-ride users.

Potential Impacts

Riders: May gain an additional transfer option, potentially improving convenience and value for pay-per-ride users.

Fiscal/Operational: Could require updates to fare-processing software, rider communications, and policy documentation; costs or savings would depend on the transfer’s defined parameters and usage.

Policy: Signals continued efforts to refine and tailor fare rules to different payment methods within the Metrocard system.

Bill