‘The Wheel Deal’: Louis, Marte introduce new Transit Program for NYC youth, seniors

New York City Council Members Farah Louis and Christopher Marte, on Wednesday, May 28, introduced “The Wheel Deal,” a legislative package aimed at making Citi Bikes more affordable and accessible for two underserved groups: public school students aged 16 and up and older adults.

Ahead of the package’s introduction, the council members held a rally outside City Hall, at a nearby Citi Bike station, joined by transportation advocates and community leaders, to spotlight the pressing need for equitable transportation options across the five boroughs.

The legislative package includes Intro. 1287, introduced by Louis, which would require the NYC Department of Transportation to implement a discounted Citi Bike membership program for public high school students aged 16 and up.

A companion bill, Intro. 1288, introduced by Marte and co-primed by Louis, would extend a similar discounted rate to older adults.

Louis, who represents the 45th Council District in Brooklyn, said that, for many students juggling school, part-time jobs, and after-school commitments, the cost of Citi Bike remains “a significant barrier.”

She said older adults on fixed incomes face similar challenges.

“As Citi Bike expands into outer-borough neighborhoods where car ownership is often essential, and public transit options can be unreliable, these costs put bike-share out of reach for many New York families,” said Louis.

“This legislation seeks to eliminate those financial hurdles, making Citi Bike an affordable and accessible transportation option for both students and seniors,” she added.

By increasing access, Louis said the bills support healthier lifestyles, greater independence, and stronger community ties while advancing the city’s goals of equity and sustainable mobility.

“Affordable bike-share not only opens doors to opportunity but also helps reduce bike theft and prevent the criminalization of young people, fostering safer neighborhoods,” Louis said. “I am proud to introduce this legislation to make Citi Bike more affordable for public school students aged 16 and older.

“As Citi Bike expands deeper into our outer-borough neighborhoods, we must ensure that this service remains equitable and accessible to the communities who need it most,” she added. “Affordability and equity must be central considerations if this program is to truly serve all families.

“By reducing financial barriers to bike share access, we are helping our young people move safely, independently, and affordably through their neighborhoods, strengthening access to education, employment, and opportunity across our city,” Louis continued.

Marte, representing District 1 in lower Manhattan, said: “Transportation shouldn’t be a privilege — it should be a right.”

District 1 comprises the Financial District-Battery Park City; Tribeca-Civic Center; The Battery-Governors Island-Ellis Island-Liberty Island; SoHo-Little Italy-Hudson Square; Chinatown-Two Bridges; and Lower East Side.

“By making Citi Bike more affordable for seniors and public school students, we’re opening the door to more equitable access across our city,” Marte said. “As someone who uses Citi Bike nearly every day, I know firsthand how empowering it is to have quick, reliable and healthy transportation.

“This legislation is about justice, health, and giving people of all ages a better way to move around their neighborhoods,” he added. “When our kids and our elders can thrive, our whole city thrives.”

Valerie De La Rosa, chair of Manhattan Community Board 2, said that “as rising costs continue to burden New Yorkers, affordable transportation options for older adults and public school students foster healthy communities and strengthen the economic vitality of neighborhoods.”

“We are thrilled to see Council Members Marte and Louis championing legislation that would make bike share more affordable and accessible for New Yorkers,” said Christopher Rosario, chair of the Youth Activist Committee for Transportation Alternatives. “This bill package is a clear indicator of the growing demand for sustainable and healthy transportation options.

“We believe that by investing in programs like this, particularly through public funding, we can truly unlock the potential of bike share to serve every community,” he added.

Emily Jacobi, Manhattan organizer at Transportation Alternatives, said that “the vast majority of New York City students and older adults bike, walk, or take transit to school — but there’s still no accessible way for students and seniors to choose Citi Bike.

“For years, Transportation Alternatives has been fighting for a $5/month Citi Bike membership option for students, and we’re excited to see new legislation that could make this critical mode of transportation more affordable for riders of all ages and abilities,” she added. “Let’s get it done!”