MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES PLAN TO
CONTINUE WEEKEND EXPRESS BUS SERVICE

New York Bus Service to Continue to Operate for 90 Days While Negotiations Continue

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced that weekend and holiday express bus service across the City that was scheduled to end due to budget constraints would continue. To offset the cost of the weekend service the fare will increase from $3 to $4 per ride by the spring of 2003. 18,000 New Yorkers use the express buses on weekends. The Mayor also announced that New York Bus Service had agreed to maintain its service for an additional ninety days. In that time, interested parties will work toward an agreement to give the MTA control over all the lines now operated by franchise bus companies in the five boroughs. New York Bus Service is relied upon by 15,000 Bronx commuters.

The Mayor was joined by Borough Presidents Adolfo Carrion and Marty Markowitz, Congressman Joe Crowley and Eliot Engel, State Senator Guy Velella, Councilmember Madeline Provenzano and Assemblymen Jeff Klein and Jeff Dinowitz.

"Express bus service is an integral part of New York City's transportation system," said Mayor Bloomberg. "This morning, members of the administration met at City Hall with a number of elected officials from the Bronx and with representatives of companies providing express bus service in our city. As a result, I am pleased to announce some good news for the New Year concerning express bus service. The first is that weekend service, which had been at risk of being discontinued, will be continued in 2003. This will mean bus service for some 18,000 New Yorkers who rely on weekend express buses to get to and from Manhattan.

"In addition, Edward Aragoni, the owner and operator of New York Bus Service has agreed to maintain service through the first 90 days of the New Year. I am optimistic that we will be able to work out an agreement with him so Bronx residents can take advantage of express bus service when they commute to work."