Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Summary

This local law, Proposed Int. No. 1154-A, establishes a two-phase program to enhance road safety through high visibility pavement markings in New York City. Initially sponsored by Council Members Menin, Salaam, De La Rosa, and Brooks-Powers, it gained additional sponsors including Cabán, Brannan, Hanif, Brewer, Narcisse, Dinowitz, Gutiérrez, Louis, and Gennaro.

Testing Program

By January 1, 2027, the Department of Transportation (DOT) must test at least 3 different types of high visibility pavement marking products not currently in use. These products, which leverage technologies like retroreflectivity or photoluminescence, will be evaluated for their durability and visibility in poor driving conditions (e.g., at night or during inclement weather). A report detailing the findings, challenges, and a recommendation for a pilot program is due to the Mayor and Speaker of the Council two months after this testing concludes.

Pilot Program

If the Commissioner determines a product is feasible for citywide installation and likely to improve traffic safety, a pilot program will be established by January 1, 2028. This program will install the selected high visibility markings in at least 5 locations per borough, prioritizing areas with a high history of traffic-related injuries or fatalities. A second report, including recommendations for expanding or making the program permanent and identifying any challenges, is due one year after the pilot program concludes.

Financial Impact

The estimated cost for this initiative is $100,000 annually for materials in Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027, totaling $200,000 from the General Fund. This amended bill addresses DOT's initial concerns about implementing new technologies without prior testing, aligning with their preference for a data-driven, phased approach.

Citizen Impact

This program is designed to directly improve road safety for all New Yorkers—drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists—by making pavement markings more visible, especially during challenging conditions like nighttime or bad weather. Residents in areas with a high incidence of traffic-related injuries or fatalities will be prioritized for the pilot program, potentially seeing immediate safety benefits. The phased approach ensures that only the most effective and durable technologies are implemented, leading to long-term, evidence-based safety enhancements across the city.

Confidence

high

Summary

This Local Law (Int. No. 1423) requires the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish and maintain a public online inventory of all city-owned retaining walls under its jurisdiction. The primary goal is to increase transparency regarding critical city infrastructure and ensure proactive maintenance, addressing potential dangers from neglect.

• Key Requirements:
  • The initial inventory must be published on the DOT's website by October 1, 2026.
  • It must include the location of each retaining wall and the date when its last maintenance or inspection was performed.
  • The inventory will be updated no less frequently than annually.
• Definition: A "retaining wall" is specifically defined as a wall resisting lateral forces from soil, rock, or water, excluding basement/vault walls of buildings and underground structures like tunnels or transit stations.
• Fiscal Impact: Both the City Council and the Office of Management and Budget project no fiscal impact on city revenues or expenditures, as DOT is expected to utilize existing resources for this initiative.
• Legislative Status: Sponsored by Council Members Stevens, Ossé, Menin, Ayala, De La Rosa, Louis, and Banks, this bill was introduced on October 9, 2025, and subsequently heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on November 24, 2025.

Citizen Impact

This legislation will significantly enhance public safety and transparency for New York City residents. By providing an accessible online inventory of city-owned retaining walls, residents will be able to easily check the maintenance and inspection history of these critical structures near their homes and communities, potentially leading to earlier identification and repair of hazardous conditions. This proactive approach aims to prevent accidents and ensure the long-term stability of city infrastructure.

Confidence

high

Summary

This resolution, Res. No. 498, calls upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to establish a program that provides New York City’s first responder agencies, including the Police and Fire Departments, with real-time Global Positioning System (GPS) data for all MTA buses. The primary goal is to enable more efficient responses to emergencies and crimes occurring on board, thereby enhancing public safety.

The initiative addresses ongoing concerns about safety within the MTA bus network, citing 76 assaults on MTA bus workers in 2022 and 70 in 2023. While existing safety features like emergency exits and unique bus numbers are in place, real-time GPS is expected to provide crucial location accuracy. The MTA, North America's largest public transportation agency, operates extensive bus services in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens through New York City Transit (NYCT) and MTA Bus Company. In 2023, annual total bus ridership was 340,766,398 for NYCT and 82,216,666 for MTA Bus Company.

Recent data indicates that total bus ridership in 2024 was approximately 409 million, with citywide average bus speeds at 8.1 miles per hour. The Central Business District Tolling Program (congestion pricing), which began on January 5, 2025, has already shown positive effects, increasing bus speeds by an average of 3.2% within the Congestion Relief Zone by July 2025. This resolution, introduced on June 20, 2024, was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and was scheduled for a hearing on November 13, 2025.

Citizen Impact

This resolution aims to significantly improve the safety and security of daily commutes for millions of New York City residents and bus workers. By providing first responders with real-time GPS data for all MTA buses, emergency services can respond more rapidly and effectively to incidents, potentially saving lives and mitigating harm. This measure is intended to restore public confidence in the safety of mass transit, particularly for those who rely on the bus system in areas with limited subway access.

Confidence

high

Summary

Resolution for Free Student Express Bus Fares

Resolution No. 773, introduced by Council Members Farías, Brooks-Powers, Cabán, Hanks, Hanif, Brannan, Narcisse, Louis, and Carr, calls upon the New York State Legislature and Governor to enact legislation requiring the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to provide free express bus fare for New York City students traveling to and from school. The NYC Department of Education's Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) facilitates transportation for over 600,000 students but does not cover express bus fares.

Currently, a single express bus fare costs $7.00, which is set to increase to $7.25 in January 2026. This creates a significant financial burden, with some students reportedly spending up to $2,700 annually on express bus travel. While the MTA began providing full-fare MetroCards for local public transportation to eligible 7th-12th graders in May 2019, this change did not extend to express buses.

The resolution highlights that over 80 express bus routes serve transit deserts and underserved neighborhoods, making them a critical link for many students. As of January 1, 2022, more than 2,000 parents and advocates had signed an online petition urging the MTA to lower these fares. The resolution was introduced at the City Council's Stated Meeting on February 27, 2025, and subsequently discussed during an oversight hearing by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on November 13, 2025.

Citizen Impact

This resolution, if passed by the State Legislature and signed by the Governor, would significantly reduce the financial burden on New York City families whose children rely on express buses for school. Students in areas underserved by subways would gain equitable access to transportation, potentially saving families up to $2,700 per student annually and making education more accessible.

Confidence

high