Sen. Gounardes’ Rider Representation Act Passes the State Senate

Bill gives the MTA Board’s Rider Representatives voting rights, and comes after passage of largest-ever MTA capital plan 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 13, 2025

New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes issued the following statement after his Rider Representation Act passed the State Senate:

"Riders use the transit system daily, and they have a special expertise that comes from real-world experience. They know if wayfinding signage is unclear because they’ve used it to navigate. They know how frustrating it is when service is delayed, because they rely on it to get to work and school. My Rider Representation Act gives New Yorkers a real say in the transit system they depend on. This is about building trust, and building a public transit system that meets our needs. With so much on the line, riders deserve more than just a seat at the table—they need a voice, and a vote."

Background:

The Rider Representation Act (S.1148/A.1162) provides voting representation to the MTA Board’s existing, non-voting Rider Representatives, as well as to a new representative for individuals with disabilities recommended by the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. 

The bill would also allow Rider Representatives on the MTA Board to make motions, chair committees, contribute to a quorum, and use their votes as leverage to secure policy victories for subway, bus, express bus, and commuter rail riders. It also resolves long-standing quorum issues on the MTA Board – of the 62 MTA committee meetings in 2024, 10 failed to achieve a quorum. Had the law been changed, these presently non-voting members would have fulfilled the quorum requirements.

Press Contact:

Billy Richling

Communications Director

State Senator Andrew Gounardes

billy@senatorgounardes.nyc

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