NY A08169

Renames the New York City Transit Authority Advisory Council to the "New York City Transit Riders Council" and requires at least one member from each of the five NYC boroughs (Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, and Richmond counties)

Changes appointment process for all three commuter/rider councils to require recommendations from local elected officials in consultation with county executives or borough presidents, rather than direct appointments by those officials

Establishes the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee as a coordinating body for the three councils, giving it authority to advise the MTA on finance, operations, management, planning, service issues, and capital programs

Allows interim appointments to fill council vacancies if elected officials fail to make recommendations within 90 days, with appointments made on recommendation of the committee's executive committee and staff

Requires the MTA to provide dedicated staff and adequate funding for the committee, with explicit protection against funding retaliation if the committee takes policy positions differing from the authority's positions