Long Island Bus. The MTA wants to unload the service,...

Long Island Bus. The MTA wants to unload the service, leaving Nassau County to face a $26 million expense. (June 23, 2009) Credit: Newsday / Howard Schnapp

As a business owner on Long Island, I am very concerned about the proposed privatization of Long Island Bus, and the fare hikes and service cuts that may come along with it ["Groups seek backup plan for LI Bus," News, Oct. 20].

Long Island Bus is a critical component in our transportation network, is vital to economic productivity and is an important service to more than 100,000 riders who use it every day to get to work.

Privatizing this essential service could leave employees stranded, raise the cost of doing business and force employers to lay off people.

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano needs to get realistic about what this system means to the business community and find a way to ensure that there are no service cuts or fare hikes on the horizon that would imperil economic growth.

Richard G. Berkenfeld, Great Neck

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse. 

Sarra Sounds Off Ep. 35: EI baseball, girls lacrosse and plays of the week On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse.

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