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The new legislation covers all state-operated bus, train and subway systems. The misdemeanor was bumped up from Class B to A, with up to fines of $1,000 and a year in jail.
"New York has zero tolerance for predators who seek to use crowded buses, subways and trains to commit depraved crimes of opportunity,” Cuomo said in a statement. “Those who commit these despicable acts will be caught and, with this new law, will face very real consequences.”
Most of these crimes happen during rush hour, when victims can't get away in a crowded vehicle or vessel.
“These public crimes are revolting, and it is our hope that this bill will go a long way toward preventing them from happening in the future,” Sen. Martin Golden added.
“I thank Gov. Cuomo for signing his bill and recognizing that these crimes on public transportation are particularly egregious because riders are essentially captives of their attackers,” noted Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas.
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