Nassau County Regional Bus Forum

March 6, 2009

The Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Regional Plan Association and The National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University hosted a forum on March 6, 2009 to discuss the potential to improve bus service in Nassau County and the wider region. The recommendations of Governor Paterson’s Commission on MTA Financing, led by former MTA Chairman Richard Ravitch, proposed greatly expanded bus service in the region and further consolidation of Long Island Bus and other bus systems into a new MTA Regional Bus Authority.

The creation of a regional bus authority, as well as funding for bus improvements and new technologies, could lead to a modern, efficient 21st century bus system. However, there are significant management and labor issues that would need to be resolved. This forum explored these facets and brought this issue to the forefront for discussion within Nassau County.

How Could the Ravitch Recommendations Improve Bus Service in Nassau County?
March 6, 2009 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Guthart Cultural Center Theater, Hofstra University

Welcome
Lawrence Levy, Director, The National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University®

Opening Remarks:
Thomas Suozzi, Nassau County Executive

Long Island Bus: Current Challenges and Opportunities
Moderated by Robert Yaro, President, Regional Plan Association
Patricia Bowden, President, Transit Workers Union Local 252
Kate Slevin, Executive Director, Tri-State Transportation Campaign
Chris Jones, Vice President for Research, Regional Plan Association
Hon. David McDonough, NYS Assembly (R-Merrick)

What Does 21st Century Bus Service Look Like?
An Overview of Bus Rapid Transit
Walter Hook, Institute for Transportation and Development Policy

Comment and Discussion
Hon. Michelle Schimel, NYS Assembly (D-Great Neck)