Membership on Public Transit Boards

Nearly 10 billion trips are taken on public transportation in the U.S. each year. The quality, frequency, and overall delivery of services affects the daily lives of millions of Americans. Yet, at most transit agencies, important issues such as fares, schedules, and operations are decided by only a few individuals, many who may have had little exposure to public transit issues. Some have never ridden a bus in their entire lives!

Moreover, today, in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, while transit riders and employees have been given primary responsibility to be the eyes and ears of our nation’s transit systems, these individuals have no role in the implementation of important safety and security guidelines.

Transit riders and employees need to be at the table when critical decisions involving the future of our transportation systems are made!

In one jurisdiction, as a result of state legislation, the governor is required to appoint to the public transportation board one non-voting member who is a “regular mass transit user of the facilities” as well as another non-voting member who is recommended to the governor by the labor organization representing the majority of employees at the transit authority.*

These individuals provide an asset to the board, with the ability to educate other members on real world issues, such as the impact of certain actions on riders, surrounding businesses, land use, and environmental concerns. Public transportation workers are particularly helpful on issues involving transit operations, safety, security, and the implementation of new technology.

In most cases, the interests of transit riders and transit employees are one and the same. If given a voice on transit boards, even in a non-voting capacity, crucial issues affecting the lives of millions of individuals could be addressed more efficiently.

* See NY CLS Pub A §1263