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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 194-05
May 19, 2005

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION EXTENDING BUS FRANCHISE

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws Extending Bus Franchise

"The next bill before me today is Introductory Number 633, sponsored at the request of the Administration by the Chair of Land Use Committee, Council Member Melinda Katz and the Chair of the Zoning and Franchises Subcommittee, Council Member Tony Avella. This legislation authorizes the Department of Transportation to extend the date of the operating authority for four private bus franchises operating in the City to a date no later than July 31, 2005. These private bus franchises include Command, Triboro, Green and Jamaica Bus Lines.

"Intro. 633 will allow for a smooth transition of the bus service's routes to the MTA without any inconvenience to its riders. These four private bus companies provide service to more than 137,000 riders every day on 693 buses traversing fifty-one bus routes between Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan.

"As I have said in the past, I believe that the MTA, which is charged with the responsibility of providing affordable mass transportation for the people of our metropolitan area, has the requisite economies of scale and transportation expertise to provide the highest quality of service for the riding public. The transfer of these routes to the MTA brings us one step closer to achieving one unified and streamlined bus system.

"In the interim, signing this legislation will enable the City to continue uninterrupted service for the more than 137,000 daily passengers who rely on these bus companies for transportation to and from work, school, and their everyday destinations throughout the boroughs.

"I would like to thank DOT Commissioner Iris Weinshall and her staff for their work on this bill. I would also like to thank the Council for shepherding this bill through the legislative process.







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