Bus Service Nixed In Queens! Mayors Solution (Commuter Vans)

Bus Service Nixed In Queens! Mayors Solution (Commuter Vans)
On June 22nd 2010 the TWU went to Queens to support the ATU at a press conference regarding the implementation of van service! In Queens the MTA has eliminated several routes including the Q74. The Mayor has authorized van service to take the place of the eliminated routes. While we was there the Mayor was questioned on the issue and he said he felt it was good for the public! We countered with the media present that if the service is needed why get rid of the route? What we are seeing is how the rich manipulate the system to cut labor costs.TWU President John Samuelsen and the OA and TA reps responded to this atrocity by going to Albany on the issue. Our immediate goal was to block any legislation that would allow private vans to operate on any bus route, because to allow such action would be detrimental to our ability to call back operators who were laid off! We were able to speak to several policy makers including the Governor on the importance of this matter! In attendance was Richard Davis, Frank Austin Donald Yates J.P. Vernon Thorpe Curtis Tate Shanon Pollard and John Samuelsen! Stay Tuned