Resolution calling upon the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) to amend its practice to use age rather than height in determining whether to permit children to ride for free on the New York City Transit system.

Res. No. 242

Resolution calling upon the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) to amend its practice to use age rather than height in determining whether to permit children to ride for free on the New York City Transit system.

By Council Members Rose and Rivera

Whereas, Currently the MTA allows children under 44 inches who are accompanied by an adult to ride for free on buses and trains; and

                           Whereas, The MTA utilizes an age requirement for discounted and free fares for children on other public transportation systems that it operates, like Metro-North and the Long Island Railroad; and

                           Whereas, Other jurisdictions utilize age requirements in determining discounted or free transit fare for children; and

                           Whereas, In New York State, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority that services Buffalo utilizes an age requirement; and

                           Whereas, In Los Angeles and Washington, DC, two children up to the age of five and accompanied by an adult can ride for free; and

                           Whereas, In London, four children up to the age of 11 and accompanied by an adult can ride for free; and

                           Whereas, Also in London, children between the ages of five and 18 can ride for free if they have a "Zip Oyster" photocard corresponding to their age range 5-10, 11-15, and 16+, respectively; and

                           Whereas, By utilizing age instead of height to provide free rides to children, the MTA could reduce confusion for straphangers regarding whether they must pay a fare for their children, including younger children who are tall for their age; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) to amend its practice to use age rather than height in determining whether to permit children to ride for free on the New York City Transit system.

GZ-PLS

LS 1217

3/8/18