Measure Recognizes Veterans for Their Service by Expanding MTA’s Half-Fare Program
The New York State Senate today passed legislation to recognize the contributions of veterans by making them eligible for an existing reduced fare program through the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Click on this link to view bill and see recent actions: S5545A. Sponsored by Senator Susan Serino (R-C-I, Hyde Park), would extend MTA’s half-fare benefit to veterans and help make it more affordable to live in the greater metropolitan area.
Senator Serino said, “Our veterans have dedicated their lives to protecting us and ensuring our freedom and for that, they not only deserve our respect, but our gratitude. While words will never be enough to express the full weight of our thanks, empowering our veterans to live full lives after their service is just one way that we can show them how much they are valued. Increasing access to transportation services by creating a half-fare program has the potential to significantly improve quality of life for veterans living, working and receiving health care in the MTA region.”
New York has one of highest veteran populations in the country, with a strong concentration of residents in the MTA region. However, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the state has lost approximately 30 to 35 percent of the veteran population between 2000-2015. This is often attributed to the state’s high cost of living, particularly in the MTA region. Senator Serino’s bill would make it more affordable for veterans to live and work in the region by making them eligible for the MTA’s reduced fare rate program, which cuts existing fares in half for those participating.
October 2017: This bill has passed the Senate and awaits the Assembly to pass it. There has been no movement on this bill for many many months. If it gets passed by the Assembly it would go to the Governor.