Log in Subscribe

Hochul vetoes subway staffing bill

Would have required operator and conductor on every train

BYHARPER FREEMAN
Posted 12/26/25

Governor Kathy Hochul earlier this month vetoed a bill that would have mandated two workers to staff every single New York City subway train. The bill backed by Transport Workers Union Local 100 was vetoed by the governor on Dec. 5, but her decision wasn’t announced until late last week.  

Governor Hochul wrote in a veto message that the bill would discontinue the Metropolitan Transit Association’s current “safe One Person One Train (OPTO) program, which is already subject to, and limited in scope by, collective bargaining agreements.” 

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in