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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 113-05
March 29, 2005

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION EXTENDING PRIVATE BUS FRANCHISE

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The bill before me today is Introductory Number 606, sponsored at the request of the Administration by the Chair of Land Use Committee, Council Member Melinda Katz and Council Member Leroy Comrie.  This legislation authorizes the Department of Transportation to extend the date of the operating authority for New York Bus Service, a subsidized private bus franchise operating in the City, whose operating authority expired on March 26, 2005 to a date no later than September 15, 2005.

"Last week I announced an agreement in principle with New York Bus Service regarding the transition of the franchise bus service provided by New York Bus Service to the MTA.  This bill will allow for a smooth transition to the MTA of the New York Bus Service's routes without any inconvenience to its riders.

"New York Bus Service provides service to more than 6,000 riders every day on 143 buses traversing six express bus routes between Manhattan and the Bronx.  Although New York Bus Service provides the service, the City owns most of the buses and subsidizes their operating costs.

"Our Administration is committed to preserving bus service for all of the people who rely on the private bus companies for their daily transportation needs.  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 6,000 daily passengers who rely on New York Bus Service for transportation to and from work, school, and their everyday destinations throughout the boroughs."







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