Better ideas to keep LI Bus rolling
Nassau's bus system projects higher expenses due to a rise in prices for natural gas, which fuels both buses and facilities. Credit: Danielle Finkelstein
Regarding "Nassau can't blame MTA" [Editorial, March 3], it is essential that Long Island Bus operations be preserved, for the good of Long Island's economic growth and to serve people who do not have access to an automobile. Most of the estimated $24 million deficit can be covered by the use of creative methods.
First, establish a 50-cent cash surcharge on each ride; I estimate that this could bring in about $15 million per year. Second, sell "wrap" advertising, where the entire bus is covered with an advertisement. Many cities worldwide today use this method on all types of transit. Third, impose a half-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax within the county.
It is totally unnecessary and counterproductive to offer Long Island Bus routes to a private operator which would, in the end, probably request a large subsidy when it found it could not properly run the service.
While no one wishes to pay increased fares or taxes, the alternative of having very limited bus service, along with the possibility of increased traffic congestion, is certainly less palatable.
Joseph P. Saitta
Editor's note: The writer is a retired Long Island Bus operator.
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