RSS 2.0 FeedMarch 31, 2011, Freeport-Baldwin Leader
Whither LI Bus?
Mangano seeks privatization of bus service.
Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano plans to privatize Long Island Bus, claiming that it will save millions of dollars to taxpayers without affecting service. But transit experts, unions, and environmental advocates believe that the privatization plan is “misguided and unrealistic at best,” said Ryan Lynch, a spokesperson for the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, a regional policy watchdog organization that studies transportation. “Instead the county needs to negotiate in good faith with the MTA and come up with a plan to save LI Bus, for the benefit of the public.”
The MTA has proposed to cut 25 of its 48 routes in Nassau County as part of its Financial Plan for 2011-2012, because county funding has fallen “$24 million short of what is needed,” states the MTA financial plan, “and is unable to support this network any longer.”
This proposal will effect 16,000 daily riders and eliminate 200 Long Island bus employees. Here in Freeport and Baldwin, the N16, N19, N36, N62 and N88 would be eliminated.
The county provides $9.1 million a year for bus service. It is the only suburban county that has subsidized bus service. Both Suffolk and Westchester counties have private bus service that cost the counties $20 to $30 million respectively.
Brian Nevin, communication director for County Executive Mangano told The Leader a private bus company could “provide better service. One of the companies who responded to our Request for Proposals
is looking at a $2.1 million contribution from the county,” he said.
“It’s not a real plan,” countered Mr. Lynch. “Especially if you are talking about the same level of service and fares. This public/private partnership would need much heavier subsidies than what’s being discussed right now.” Mr. Lynch pointed to Westchester County. “It gives $30 million to its private operator,” he said.
But County Executive Mangano, in a press release, said the county is “subsidizing New York City’s transportation system and bloated bureaucracy.” He believes a private company will be more efficient, accountable “and effective while NOT holding our taxpayers hostage for increased revenue year after year.”
At the March 23 MTA hearing held at Hofstra University dozens of residents urged the MTA and County to work together. In a press release issued by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, bus advocates spoke about the LI Bus debacle.
“It looks like Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano is playing a game with the MTA and we the riders, are the pawns,” said Diane Goins a member of NY Communities for Change. “When is he going to put the riders first?”
“Privatizing the bus system while contributing nothing or very little, to its operations has been proven time and time again to be a loser for bus riders and workers,” said Charlene Obernauer, Executive Director of Long Island Jobs with Justice.
But county Executive Mangano is standing strong. “I am compelled to protect the taxpayers of Nassau County,” he said. “The only other option is to increase property taxes to fund the MTA’s bloated bureaucracy. I refuse to increase property taxes.”
