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Bill

S 9149

Establishes how the MTA shall operate the time-delay egress mechanisms

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cordell Cleare

Allows MTA to use time-delay emergency egress on staffed subway gates, only during staff presence or temporary gaps, with a two-hour cap.

PRINT NUMBER 9149B
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 9149

Summary of Bill S.9149-B (2025-2026) – New York

Purpose and intent

  • Authorizes the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to operate time-delay egress mechanisms on emergency exit gates at subway stations it operates.
  • Limits use to stations where personnel are physically present to respond to emergencies or operational issues, or during temporary interruptions as described in the bill.
  • Aims to regulate the use of time-delay emergency egress to balance security/operational needs with safety and accessibility requirements.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1279-j (new) — Time-delay emergency mechanisms
    1) Authorization: The MTA may operate time-delay egress mechanisms on emergency exit gates at MTA-operated subway stations, but only at stations where staff are physically present to respond to emergencies or operational issues, or during specified temporary interruptions.
    2) Temporary unavailability: If staff become temporarily unavailable due to shift changes, breaks, or other temporary interruptions, the MTA may keep a time-delay mechanism active for up to two hours. After two hours, the mechanism must be deactivated until staff are again physically present and available.
    3) Staffing note: The bill does not require staffing at any station. If the MTA chooses not to provide personnel at a station, any time-delay egress mechanism at that station must be deactivated.
    4) Scope: Applies only to emergency exit gates with time-delay mechanisms and does not apply to fare-control gates or gates that open upon payment of fare or with valid fare media.
    5) Compliance: Nothing in the section should conflict with applicable building codes, fire safety, or accessibility requirements.

  • Section 2 — Effective date

    • The act takes effect 90 days after it becomes law.

Who/what is affected

  • Affected entity: Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) subway stations it operates.
  • Affected elements: Emergency exit gates equipped with time-delay mechanisms (subject to the staffing and operational constraints described).
  • Guardrails and limitations:
    • Time-delay usage contingent on staff presence; no staffing mandates are created for all stations.
    • If staff are not present, time-delay mechanisms must be deactivated.
    • Does not alter fare-control gates or other paid-entry gates.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Legislative history:
    • Referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation (Feb 6, 2026).
    • Amendments and re-revisions occurred in April and May 2026, with discharge and reintroduction steps noted.
    • Latest version: S.9149-B, amended and recommitted to Transportation (May 18, 2026).
  • Effective date: 90 days after enactment.

Practical impact and considerations

  • Operational impact:
    • Provides a framework for when time-delay egress mechanisms may be used, tied to the availability of on-site personnel.
    • Creates a concrete two-hour maximum for time-delay operation during temporary staffing gaps.
    • Requires deactivation when no staff are present, potentially limiting use during off-peak hours or staffing shortages.
  • Safety and accessibility considerations:
    • Maintains alignment with safety codes and accessibility requirements, as the section cannot override building, fire, or accessibility standards.
    • Excludes fare-controlled gates from time-delay mechanisms, preserving normal fare-entry function.
  • Policy considerations:
    • Balances security/operational control with the need for immediate egress in emergencies.
    • Leaves staffing decisions to the MTA, without mandating full-time personnel at every station.

If you’d like, I can provide a plain-language briefing for nonexpert audiences or a comparative note with current NY rules on emergency egress and time-delay mechanisms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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