Patrick Condren asks that private buses be treated like public buses
Condren says buses are the most environmentally efficient passenger vehicles and should be exempt from idling fines like public buses. He calls the three-minute rule untenable and cites a 15-minute federal guideline for buses.
Thank you.
Patrick, just state your name for the record.
I am Patrick Condren.
I'm the administrator of the Bus for NYC Coalition, which was formed in 2018 to address issues in my industry, which I'm lifelong in the bus industry and a member of BANI and a board member.
At that time in 2018, congestion pricing was an issue.
And unfortunately,
Many people do not be exempt in the area, but all buses, intercity, commuter, and our operators are exempt.
We're part of the public and private position and transportation, providing public transportation in New York City.
I was one of the owners of the franchise bus companies back in the day.
I work with the guys today.
So having said that, a bus is the most environmentally efficient passenger vehicle on the streets of New York.
Regarding oversight of the Citizens Air Complaint Group, we support changes in this program, as Mr.
Evry just pointed out.
And it's a reminder that bus lines...
Rail lines, airlines, or passenger carryings, not cargo.
The issue today is New York City policy includes buses as part of the public system, just like the MTA.
because all the MTA buses were routes in all of Queens and Brooklyn where I was.
And there's 170 miles of bus lanes because all public ride the bus lanes.
And they're not exempt.
It's just we use them.
Trucks don't use them.
Cars don't use them.
Everybody at this panel earlier today referred to cars and trucks.
It's our position that just like congestion pricing, just like parking, ICBPS, and numerous other city rules, that private buses, just like public buses, should be administratively exempt from the actual fines.
Today, there's millions of dollars and thousands of tickets being issued to private bus companies, as Glenn pointed out.
don't even want to come into New York City anymore.
So the three-minute rule is untenable.
The federal guideline is 15 minutes for a bus to idle if they had to.
And we believe that at this point in time, people should be reminded that 55 people on a bus is the most environmentally sound vehicle on the streets of New York, and they're included with and they should be treated the same as publicly owned buses.
Thank you.