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A 10875

Relates to directing the metropolitan transportation authority to establish a city university of New York student fare program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by George Alvarez and 5 co-sponsors

The MTA would provide CUNY students with five paid fares per weekday (5:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.) at no extra cost, with students covering any shortfall.

REFERRED TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS
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Bill Summary · A 10875

Summary of Bill A. 10875 (2025-2026) – New York

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a dedicated fare program for City University of New York (CUNY) students within the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) system.
  • The aim is to provide CUNY students with a substantial rider benefit to support access to education and commuting to campus.

Key provisions and changes

  • New Authority Requirement: Adds a new section 1266-n to the Public Authorities Law.
  • Student Fare Program: The MTA must establish a CUNY Student Fare Program.
    • Benefit: Each CUNY student receives a full fare reduction equal to the standard pay-per-ride fare for five fares per weekday.
    • Coverage Window: The five fares can be used for travel between 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. on weekdays (Monday through Friday).
    • Eligible Travel: Applies to any and all train and/or bus travel within the MTA system.
    • Cost Sharing: Any remaining difference between the standard pay-per-ride fare for a given trip and the five-fare total covered under the program must be paid by the student.
  • Implementation Timing: Effective July 1 of the year following the law’s enactment.
  • Regulatory Flexibility: The act authorizes immediate rulemaking necessary to implement the program, even before the statutory effective date, to ensure timely implementation.

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Students enrolled at the City University of New York (CUNY) system.
  • Secondary effects: Potentially affects MTA fare revenue, enrollment decisions, and student commuting patterns.
  • Administrative responsibility: The MTA is directed to implement and manage the fare program, including related rule and regulation changes as needed.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: Bill introduced April 8, 2026, and referred to the Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions.
  • Effective date: The program becomes effective July 1 of the year after enactment.
  • Rulemaking: The act explicitly permits immediate rulemaking and regulatory adjustments to implement the program prior to the effective date.

Practical considerations

  • Financial impact: The bill shifts a portion of student commuting costs onto the MTA budget or sources funding the program, with students covering any fare shortfall beyond the five paid fares.
  • Scope of use: Applies to all MTA-operated trains and buses during the specified weekday window.
  • Equity and access: Aimed at improving access to higher education by reducing transportation barriers for CUNY students.

If you’d like, I can compare this proposal to existing student fare programs in New York or summarize potential budgetary implications and implementation challenges.

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

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