Public transit systems are important components of New York State's transportation infrastructure. In upstate areas, public transit provides mobility to individuals who may not have access to other modes of transportation. New York's residents rely on public transit for a myriad of travel needs including travel to school, to work, to medical care, and to many other locations for business and recreation. Additionally, public transit supports energy conservation and reduction of congestion by providing an alternative to personal vehicles on New York's streets and highways. An efficient and effective public transit system is vital to a healthy economy and environment in New York.

This hearing will provide the Assembly Standing Committee on Transportation an opportunity to assess upstate public transit programs and services funded by the enacted 2013-2014 State Budget. The Committee is interested in obtaining testimony on capital issues concerning upstate transit providers including vehicle acquisition, new technologies, the level of state of good repair, and system infrastructure. The Committee is also interested in obtaining testimony relating to upstate public transit operating performance, including information on service and ridership levels and fare structures.

Persons invited to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in considering testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

David F. Gantt
Member of Assembly
Chairman
Committee on Transportation

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Persons invited to present testimony at the public hearing on December 5, 2013 are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail or fax it to: