"The next bill before me today is Preconsidered Introductory Number 387, sponsored at the request of the Administration by Council Members Katz and White.  Intro. 387 allows for an abbreviated public notice period for the Franchise Concession Review Committee (FCRC) hearing on the operating authority of two unsubsidized bus services.

"The operating authority of the two unsubsidized bus services expired on June 30th.  They include Private One of New York, LLC, which transports approximately 1 million passengers annually from Grand Central Station to LaGuardia and/or Kennedy Airports; and Private Transportation Corp (Bus Route B-110) which transports approximately 500,000 passengers annually between Williamsburg and Borough Park in Brooklyn.

"The Department of Transportation, with the approval of the FCRC, is authorized to extend the operating authority of these non-subsidized private bus companies until June 30, 2007, pursuant to Local Law 28 of 2004.  However, before the FCRC could give its approval to extend the operating authority, it had to hold a public hearing.  This local law allows for an abbreviated public notice period so that the hearing could be held before the operating authority expired.

"The continuation of these franchises 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 DOT Commissioner Iris Weinshall and her staff for their work on this bill.  I would also like to thank the Council for approving the bill."