On Monday, December 5th, nearly 250 bus riders, bus drivers, community members, and transportation advocates gathered together to collectively oppose efforts by Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano to privatize the bus system. Executive Director Charlene Obernauer made reference to a recently published report by LI Jobs with Justice, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, and the LI Federation of Labor; critiquing Veolia’s record in the U.S. and abroad; and urging legislators to not give Veolia the keys to its transportation system.
The public understands that Veolia has a bad history in several cities where it operates: fares increase and service gets cut. It's that simple.
After the public gave passionate testimony, Veolia finally answered questions from legislators (not from the public). Veolia representatives told Nassau County elected officials that their record was flawless and that reports to the contrary were incorrect; they contradicted Comptroller Maragos’ report that suggested that numerous bus lines would be cut in 2012; and they denied that their company was negatively impacted by the fiscal crisis in Europe.
However, the next morning, policy analysts awoke to interesting news about Veolia: the company is in financial crisis and is backing out of the transportation business. Are we really still considering Veolia as a viable option for Nassau County?!
While Veolia’s representatives still claim that they are capable of taking over the service, elected officials are skeptical.
County Executive Ed Mangano, the force initially behind the privatization, stated that the news requires Veolia's immediate response and attention. Well, I think we could use a little bit more than their attention. A graceful exit from our County seems slightly more appropriate.
While Veolia’s representatives still claim that they are capable of taking over the service, elected officials are skeptical.
County Executive Ed Mangano, the force initially behind the privatization, stated that the news requires Veolia's immediate response and attention. Well, I think we could use a little bit more than their attention. A graceful exit from our County seems slightly more appropriate.
If anyone thinks that this is not going to be voted in later today, I have a bridge to sell you. No way does Ed and Al give back the box full of unmarked bills they where given to make this happen.
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