An open letter to MTA Executive Director Elliot G. Sander and Queens DA Richard Brown:
In case your respective offices have not received notice, one of the two yellow bus companies that carry Queens students to the Bronx Science High School reported on its Web site that service to the school is suspended due to a fire at its terminal Feb. 19. Ten buses were destroyed, some due to fires set internally and some through close contact.
This case calls for a criminal investigation by law enforcement. I trust the DA’s office, in cooperation with the NYPD, will be able to get to the bottom of things.
Of equally immediate concern is ensuring that the transportation needs of students under contract with Bronx Science Bus Service Inc. are addressed. It seems its competitor, Vallo Transportation, does not readily have the capacity to fully pick up the slack.
For the present, this leaves the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s express bus service from Queens on the X32 line as the only remaining option. Given recent MTA statements about scaling back certain lines in the face of budget pressures, the MTA must keep X32 service.
Clearly, until or unless the noted yellow bus service capacity is restored, it is imperative the X32 coverage is there to meet this need. Over the next week or two, it is suggested this service be reviewed to see if supplementing it is warranted during peak periods similar to that provided by the BSBS and Vallo.
Vincent J. Tabone
Bayside
