BusTalk

[The Don of All Buses]

I wanna start my own transit bus company called Hennessey Lines, Inc. do you think the MTA, or MTA bus will try to knock me outta business ?

[Q101viaSteinway]

No ,so long you use your own money and do not need help from the DOT financially (just like Private Transportation).

[Mr. Linsky]

The Don of All Buses (except mine - only kidding),

I have an idea that anyone who thinks about starting their own bus line better think twice what with insurances, franchises, the Public Service and Utility Commissions etc.

I mean, if the 'big boys' couldn't make it this economy what real chance have you got?

The only opportunity that I can see is if you become a contractor to an authority such as we have here in Los Angeles - but their rules for operation are stringent and you better have good backing!

Charter might be the only other area where you could have half a chance, but even there you will come under scutiny by every authority in which you operate.

Interestingly, this whole 'MTA' concept across the country may someday revert back to private operators - maybe you ought to take a 'wait and see' attitude at this time.

Mr. Linsky
"The Green Hornet"
Green Bus Lines, Inc., Jamaica & Arverne, NY

[RailBus63]

There are obviously laws in New York State that regulate who can operate on which route - otherwise, nothing would stop someone from driving along a transit authority's most lucrative routes and poach their passengers with a lower fare.

Getting authorization to operate on a route is just the beginning. The high cost of insurance alone is probably enough to discourage most potential bus owners unless they have very deep pockets. Drivers are another issue - good drivers are hard to come by, so you would need to offer a decent salary and benefits to convince them to leave their present employer and join your company.