The County said a 10-cent fare hike, raising the cost of a ride to $1.50, would make up some of the lost aid, but said the state assistance reduction could still mean that up to 11 bus routes could be eliminated. County officials have yet to work out how the price of discount books and monthly passes would be affected.

About 30 million people rode Bee-Line buses in 1998. Officials expect to lose a million riders if service is cut and fares are increased. Westchester riders complained to the Journal-News that bus service already leaves much to be desired. The executive budget also reduces Metro-North and LIRR aid by $24 million, provoking further protests from legislators and train riders in the Hudson Valley and Long Island.

Lawmakers and contractor groups are also complaining about the Governor's proposal to reduce some highway spending. Transportation reform groups are generally supportive of these cuts provided they do not reduce maintenance at the expense of roadway construction efforts.

If the Governor were to call off the NY State DOT's plan to widen the Long Island Expressway in Nassau County, the state would have resources sufficient for all existing maintenance commitments with money left over for projects like bringing the Long Island Railroad to Grand Central Terminal.