Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Queens Surface Corporation President Myra Burke today announced a tentative agreement regarding the acquisition of the assets of Queens Surface Corporation by New York City.  This agreement is the second between the City and the seven operators of franchise bus lines.  Under the agreement, the City will acquire the assets of Queens Surface's business for $9.5 million and the MTA will operate the lines for the 43,000 daily riders previously served by Queens Surface.  The agreement is expected to close by the end of February 2005.

"This agreement is another step forward in improving service for City residents who ride the seven franchise bus lines," said Mayor Bloomberg.  "I am very pleased we have reached an agreement with the largest franchise bus line and I look forward to more progress in the negotiations with the other bus lines.  Having the MTA provide this service will ensure coordinated and modernized bus service for riders and better value through efficiencies and improved management for taxpayers." 

"I am pleased to have come to an agreement with the City of New York on the transition of Queens Surface Corporation's bus service to the MTA," said Myra Burke.  "I am proud of the memories I share with our passengers and with the communities we have served for many decades.  I am particularly thankful for the dedication of our past and present employees. I believe this agreement protects the interests of our riders and employees.  I now look forward to working with the MTA to assure that the transition occurs smoothly and seamlessly for all concerned."

"I am delighted to at last hear that the City has reached agreement with Queens Surface, a company which has served the residents of Queens since 1860,"said Borough President Helen Marshall. "Hopefully now, new buses will get back on track and thereby improve service for the people of Queens."

"The MTA welcomes another opportunity to expand its services in the metropolitan region and it will ensure a seamless transition of express bus service for our new customers in the Queens and the Bronx," said MTA Chairman Peter S. Kalikow.  "We look forward to operating these lines and providing top notch service for our new customers."

Queens Surface currently operates 310 City-owned buses on 19 express and local bus routes in Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx.  The MTA will provide service in the areas where Queens Surface operated immediately upon closing of the sale transaction.   In December, the City announced an agreement with Liberty Lines and the transition of service to the MTA was completed on January 4th.