S 9586: Prohibits the operation of NYC transit authority subways or trains without at least one conductor on board except where it is currently permissible.

  
  STATE OF NEW YORK ________________________________________________________________________ 9586  IN SENATE March 26, 2026 ___________ Introduced by Sen. PARKER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to requiring the New York city transit authority to have at least one conductor on board The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem- bly, do enact as follows: 1 Section 1. The legislature finds and declares that, the New York city 2 transit authority, through its operation of the New York city subway 3 system, the largest public transit system in the world, provides the 4 primary means of commuting for many millions of New York residents and 5 visitors every day of the week. With an estimated average of over 10,000 6 passengers loaded onto each train during rush hours, the presence of 7 trained New York city transit authority personnel, other than the engi- 8 neer, on each train is necessary and should always be required to ensure 9 improved safety for passengers during emergencies, which may occur while 10 in subway tunnels or traveling over bridges. 11 The legislature further finds and declares that the tragic events of 12 September 11, 2001, which launched the war of terror against America, 13 has tremendously heightened the need to significantly increase security 14 and safety for commuters on New York city subway trains. Also, the 15 recent conviction of Zarein Ahmedzay, who was caught buying explosives 16 and admitted to having planned an attack on the New York city subway 17 system makes it imperative that we recognize the role of conductors and 18 other authority personnel assigned on passenger trains as first respon- 19 ders, and the front line defense to potentially save lives and limit 20 casualties in the event of a terrorist attack. 21 § 2. The public authorities law is amended by adding a new section 22 1205-b to read as follows: 23 § 1205-b. Conductor required. Any subway or train operated by the 24 authority for the purpose of transporting passengers shall have at least 25 one conductor on board, except where it is currently permissable. For 26 the purposes of this section, the term "conductor" shall mean the person 27 other than the driver, engineer or motorman primarily charged with all EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted. LBD07106-02-6 
 S. 9586 2 1 aspects of the operation of the railroad locomotive, subway or train, 2 who shall assist in the operation of the train and be primarily respon- 3 sible for the opening and closing of the doors and other safety aspects 4 of the train. A conductor shall be required on any subway or train 5 operated by the authority whenever the subway or train has more than two 6 cars attached to the engine thereof. 7 § 3. This act shall take effect immediately.