“The first bill before me today is Introductory Number 369, sponsored at the request of the Administration by the Chair of the Land Use Committee, Council Member Melinda Katz, along with Council Members Fidler, Jennings, Koppell, Martinez, Nelson, and Seabrook.  This legislation authorizes the Department of Transportation to extend the date of the operating authority for two unsubsidized private bus franchises operating in the City, which expires tomorrow, to a date no later than June 30, 2007.

“The two unsubsidized bus lines covered by this legislation are Private One of New York which transports approximately one million passengers annually from Grand Central Station to LaGuardia and Kennedy airports; and Private Transportation Corporation which transports approximately 500,000 passengers annually between Williamsburg and Borough Park in Brooklyn.

“The continuation of these two franchises will maintain the City’s transportation network, stimulate commerce by ensuring the continued availability of unsubsidized private bus service and enhance the health, welfare and safety of the public.
 
“I would like to thank Commissioner Weinshall and the Department’s staff for their work and assistance on this legislation.  I would also like to thank Council Member Katz and the other Council Members who served as bill sponsors and assisted in guiding these bills through the legislative process.”