The Federal Transit Administration has mandated that Westchester County issue a request for proposals to run its Bee-Line Bus system. Liberty Lines Transit Inc. currently operates the bus line, but its contract expires this year.
The county originally did not put the operation of its bus line out to bid, because it believed Liberty Lines has certain rights to compensation if its contract isn’t approved. The county offered an option for the operator to manage the Bee-Line system through a bridge contract for up to one year.
The FTA signed off the bridge contract, which is valid for six months with the option to renew for another six months.
The county’s Bee-Line will use its $13 million in federal funding next year to ensure bus fare costs are fair, said County Executive Robert P. Astorino.
“Price and service are the core of any Bee-Line bus contract, and we now have a foundation for both,” Astorino said in a written statement. “The request for proposals process will keep costs down and federal aid in place. The bridge contract provides insurance against the interruption in the quality of service. The goal we are working toward is to protect both riders and taxpayers.”
The county and Liberty Lines share a public-private partnership, which allows the county to set fares and determine the routes. Liberty Lines hires its own employees and receives government funding to keep bus fare prices low.
The county will submit its RFP, and bids will will last from early September to December. The goal is to sign a five-year agreement with the designated contractor.
