Bill seeks to keep buses in check

Downtown Express

Volume 20, Number 46

March 30 - April 5, 2011

By Aline Reynolds

Two fatal bus crashes prompted the City to get behind a New York State law requiring permits of intercity buses for passenger drop-offs and pick-ups in Chinatown and citywide.

The intercity bus bill, introduced in the State Senate and Assembly last month, would improve safety for passengers and lessen noise, pollution and congestion in Chinatown, according to N.Y. State Senator Daniel Squadron.

“As last week’s tragic crash in the Bronx made clear, it is past time to impose reasonable regulations on the discount bus industry,” said the Senator. “I will continue to work with my colleagues and New York City to create reasonable regulations that make discount bus travel safer and more compatible with the community.”

The legislation is crucial, echoed Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. “The recent tragic, fatal bus crashes underscore the urgent need to create real oversight of the industry and establish meaningful criteria for issuing permits to operators,” he said.

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