Bi-State Transit Bill Is Signed Despite Mayor's Plea for Study

ALBANY, April 24—Legislation authorizing New York State to participate in the proposed bi-state Metropolitan Transit District was approved today by Governor Harriman.

He signed the Republican-sponsored measure despite opposition by Mayor Wagner. The Mayor, as chairman of the three-state Metropolitan Regional Council, had urged that the matter be given more study. Connecticut also is a member of the council.

In another action, Mr. Harriman disapproved a bill that would have made all concessionaires on publicly owned property liable for real property taxes. He quoted Mayor Wagner as saying the move could hamper development of the Port of New York and improvement of the city's airport system.

The bill was passed principally so that local communities could levy taxes against such companies as the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation's plant at Calverton, L.I. The factory there is owned by the Federal Government and leased to Grumman.

The bill authorizing the state's participation in the transit district must now be approved by the New Jersey Legislature and the bi-state compact then ratified by Congress before it can become effective. Gov. Robert B. Meyer of New Jersey has indicated his support.

Under the bill, the district would consist of thirteen counties—Manhattan, Orange and Rockland in New York and the remainder in New Jersey. Each would have representation on a council that would draft a plan and acquire and operate a transit loop linking the two states.

Commenting on Mr. Wagner's position, the Governor declared:

"I do not believe we should wait for another year to get started on the practical task for assuring continued and improved transportation for the tens of thousands of people who rely on mass transportation facilities to commute between New York and New Jersey."

Mr. Harriman noted that the bill was the only recommendation of the bi-state Metropolitan Rapid Transit Commission, which has received $1,100,000 in public funds for studies since it was organized in 1954.

Meanwhile Governor Harriman vetoed a Republican bill designed to curb racketeering in unions. He said the measure contained "serious dangers and flaws."

A bill expanding the membership of the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board from three to five was signed by the Governor. It requires that not more than three of the five may be members of the same political party. The posts pay $15,000 a year.

Other New York City bills vetoed by Mr. Harriman would have:

—Permitted members of the New York City Teachers Retirement System to qualify for higher pensions.

—Exempted workers with a year's service in the city's recreation and youth service program from competitive examinations.

—Set up a system of replacement teachers to fill vacancies in the city school system caused by leaves of absence.

Jersey Approval Likely

Special to The New York Times

TRENTON, April 24—The general expectation here is that the State Senate will give its approval to the transit district at the present session of the Legislature, which will continue until next January. The Assembly is also expected to approve the plan.

State Senator Walter H. Jones, Republican of Bergen County, introduced a bill on Jan. 27 calling for approval of the district set-up. Last Thursday he sought to bring the bill to the floor for a final vote, but was persuaded to delay action temporarily.

Opposition has developed in some municipalities, particularly in Hudson, Union and Essex Counties, on the ground that the district would be a deficit operation.

The bill will probably be discussed at a public hearing before the Senate casts a final vote.