Please join us at a forum sponsored by Regional Plan Association, the Tri-State Transportation Campaign and Hofstra University about the potential to improve bus service in Nassau County and the wider region, on March 6, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, at Hofstra University, at the Guthart Cultural Center Theater, The Joan and Donald E Axinn Library Building (for directions, please see below).
Regional bus is one of the recommendations in the Ravitch Commission report on funding and reforming the MTA. While some of the Ravitch funding recommendations, such as the regional mobility/payroll tax, have received significant public attention, the concept of regional bus has not.
Location and Driving Directions
The meeting will be held in the Guthart Cultural Center Theater. The entrance to the theater is in the lobby of the Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library Building, the tallest building on the south side of campus.
Take Northern State Parkway to Meadowbrook Parkway South (Exit 31A) or Southern State Parkway to Meadowbrook Parkway North (Exit 22N). Proceed on Meadowbrook Parkway to Exit M4 West (Hempstead Turnpike). Follow Hempstead Turnpike (Route 24) west to Hofstra, approximately 1.5 miles. Turn right at the light before the 2rd Unispan into the Hofstra campus and drive past the brick gate house. Parking will be available in three Hofstra locations: 1) the first parking lot is located by making a left turn at the first stop sign as you drive in to the campus, if this lot is full; 2) the second parking area is located just beyond and to the left of the second stop sign on campus, 3) the third parking area is located just beyond and to the right of the second stop sign on campus.
To reach the Guthart Cultural Center Theater walk through the parking area to the Student Center and through the Student Center and over the Unispan (which crosses over Hempstead Turnpike). The Guthart Theater is on the left just before you exit the Unispan.
A regional bus authority could also accelerate the creation of a modern, efficient, 21st-century bus system that includes innovative technologies like bus rapid transit (BRT). BRT uses a combination of technology, infrastructure and procedure to get buses moving faster. A pilot BRT route in New York City has increased speeds by 20% and has a 98% approval rating from riders.
Invited panelists include County Executive Thomas Suozzi; former MTA Chairman Richard Ravitch; Joseph Smith, Long Island Bus; Ed Watt, TWU, Local 100; Bob Yaro, Regional Plan Association; Kate Slevin, Tri-State Transportation Campaign; Lawrence Levy, Hofstra University; and Walter Hook, Institute for Transportation and Development Policy. A special panel of invited elected officials will include Hon. Charles Fuschillo, Jr., Hon. Craig Johnson, Hon. Dave McDonough, Hon. Michelle Schimel, and Hon. Dean Skelos. Breakfast will be served.
The full program agenda is below.
The event is free, but space is limited, so please RSVP by February 27.
RSVP here
Preliminary Forum Agenda and Speakers
8:30 AM: Breakfast and Registration
9:00 AM: Welcome
Lawrence Levy, Director, National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra9:05 AM: Opening Remarks
County Executive Thomas Suozzi9:30-10:15 AM: Long Island Bus: Current Challenges and Opportunities
Richard Ravitch (invited)
10:15-10:30 AM: Break
Moderator: Robert Yaro, President, Regional Plan Association
Joseph Smith, President, Long Island Bus (invited)
Ed Watt, Secretary Treasurer, Transit Workers Union Local 100 (invited)
Kate Slevin, Executive Director, Tri-State Transportation Campaign
Chris Jones, Vice President for Research, Regional Plan Association
10:30-11:15 AM: What Does 21st Century Bus Service Look Like? An Overview of Bus Rapid Transit
Walter Hook, Institute for Transportation and Development Policy11:15-12:15 PM: Elected officials Response Panel
Moderator: Kate Slevin, Tri-State Transportation Campaign
Hon. Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (invited)
Hon. Craig Johnson (invited)
Hon. Dave McDonough
Hon. Michelle Schimel
Hon. Dean Skelos (invited)
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