NYS bill would force MTA to tell riders about bed bug infestations

New York lawmakers are advancing legislation that would require the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to notify riders within 24 hours if bed bugs are discovered on trains or buses.

The proposal, introduced by Assemblymember William Colton of Brooklyn, would require the transit agency to quickly inform the public whenever an infestation is identified. Under the measure, the MTA would have to post a notice on its website or send alerts to riders through email or text messages.

Colton said the transit agency has been reluctant to inform passengers about infestations when they occur. He argued that the millions of people who rely on the city’s buses and trains every day deserve to know if bed bugs are present so they can take precautions.

“Millions of New Yorkers depend on these trains and buses every day,” Colton said. “Commuters should not have to worry about bringing bed bugs home with them as they go about their daily routines.”

An earlier version of the proposal cleared the State Assembly but failed to move forward in the State Senate. The current version passed the Assembly last month and is now under review by the Senate Transportation Committee.

Although bed bugs are not known to spread disease, the insects feed on human blood and can leave itchy, red welts on the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The most recent reported bed bug incident involving the MTA occurred in 2018, when several buses in Manhattan were temporarily removed from service after a passenger claimed to have seen the insects crawling on a seat. After inspecting the vehicles, however, investigators did not find any bed bugs.

In another incident in 2020, workers discovered bed bugs in a control tower in Queens. The facility had to be evacuated and fumigated, which led to subway delays during rush hour.

The latest citywide data on bed bug reports dates back to 2014, when about 327,000 cases were reported across New York City. Brooklyn accounted for roughly 125,000 of those reports.

Colton said the proposed notification requirement would give riders peace of mind and help them stay informed about potential infestations while using public transportation. He noted that once bed bugs become established, they are extremely difficult to eliminate, which is why commuters are concerned about encountering them on buses and trains.