New York Lawmakers Ban Smoking On Long Island Rail Road Platforms
ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New York lawmakers have voted to ban smoking on the upstate and Long Island platforms of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's commuter trains to protect other passengers from secondhand smoke.
Sen. Charles Fuschillo, of Merrick, says thousands of nearby commuters are exposed by smokers who light up a cigarette while waiting for a train.
"When you're on the platform waiting for a train you're really hostage there," Fuschillo said. "It's just another step to protect individuals from a known carcinogen."
WCBS 880's Alex Silverman reports: No More Smoking On LIRR Platforms
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The bill would ban smoking in outdoor spaces for ticketing, boarding or platforms of train stations operated by the MTA or its subsidiaries, including the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North.
Similar restrictions are already in place at New York City subway stations and New Jersey stations.
Assembly member Ellen Jaffee, a Rockland County Democrat, says the MTA supports the legislation and has received many complaints from non-smoking commuters.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo must sign off on the bill.
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