County selects operator for L.I. Bus

Nassau County has selected a private company to take over operation of the Long Island Bus System next year.

County Executive Edward Mangano announced last week that the RFP panel formed last year to evaluate public-private bids to operate LI Bus has chosen Veolia Transportation Inc. to operate the county-owned system starting in 2012.

Mangano had decided to more forward with public-private partnership to maintain bus service in May, shortly after the MTA board decided to terminate its contract, which expires Dec. 31, to run the system.

“A public-private partnership to operate Long Island Bus makes sense for taxpayers,” Mangano said in a statement. “The steps we take today will protect riders and ensure bus service continuous into the future. Residents will enjoy accountability for their tax dollars as the private sector will run bus service more efficiently and effectively and protect residents from real property tax increases.”

The company has agreed to maintain all routes and fares for 2012, but will consider route eliminations if needed; according to Mangano, Veolia will consult with the county before cutting routes.

Veolia Transportation is a multi-national corporation and manages transit systems throughout the world. The company said it will study and analyze the current system to determine where efficiencies may be found to reduce costs, while maintaining and eventually expanding services. In the long term, the county said it anticipates that revenues will be reinvested in the system to improve services and technology.

To finalize the deal, Nassau County will negotiate a contract with Veolia Transportation Inc. over the coming weeks. Once completed, the contract will be forwarded to the Nassau County Legislature for approval.