"The final bill before me today is Introductory Number 773, sponsored at the request of our Administration by Council Members Katz and Stewart.  Introductory Number 773 allows the Department of Transportation, with the approval of the Franchise Concession Review Committee, to extend the operating authority of two unsubsidized bus services.

"The operating authority of the two unsubsidized bus services is scheduled to expire today.  The services are Private One of New York, LLC, operating as New York Airport Service, which transports approximately 900,000 passengers annually from Grand Central Station to LaGuardia and Kennedy Airports, and between the two airports; and Private Transportation Corp. which transports approximately 600,000 passengers annually between Williamsburg and Borough Park in Brooklyn.

"This bill will allow for an extension of the operating authority of these bus services until June 30, 2009 and will help avoid a disruption in these important services.  The continuation of these bus services will maintain the City's transportation network and promote the public interest, enhance the health, welfare and safety of the public, and stimulate commerce by ensuring the continued availability of unsubsidized private bus service.

"I would like to thank Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and her staff for their work on this bill.  I would also like to thank the City Council for approving the legislation."