| Issue
203 |
January
15, 1998 |
Around the Region
New York City let seven companies continue their lock on private
bus operation for six months while officials study how to improve service.
The Giuliani Administration said it had formed a task force to look at
service and competitive bidding for the bus routes in Queens, Brooklyn,
and the Bronx. The companies receive $150 million a year in subsidies,
and straphangers have long complained of unreliable service. The City was
required by the City Charter to put the routes out to bid six years ago,
but the mayor and City Council have postponed competition even though dozens
of bus companies have expressed interest. The seven private bus companies
have donated more than $94,000 to elected officials since 1994. Daily News
