Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves and Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams announced today $3 million in new funding for NICE Bus operations in 2016 and will work with NICE Bus CEO Mike Setzer to develop a restoration plan.
County Executive Mangano stated, “I’m proud to announce $3 million in additional county funding for NICE Bus operations in 2016. NICE Bus is a critical to the thousands of residents who rely on its service for rides to work, school and medical appointments and these funds should allow NICE Bus to restore route and service cuts made earlier this year.”
“I look forward to meeting with the NICE CEO with the hopes of restoring eliminated services,” said Presiding Officer Gonsalves.
Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams added, “The restoration of these routes is so important. When it comes down to Nassau’s only mass transit option that ensures our working families get to work, school and important health care appointments, we must be taking steps forward, not backwards. NICE Bus must be treated as a top priority in this County and today I’m glad that the County Executive joined myself and my fellow Democratic legislators and did just that.”
The NICE Bus eliminated 11 bus lines and laid off workers. According to sources, the company has a $7.5 million budget shortfall for this year which caused the 11 bus lines to be cancelled. There is no word of when or if the bus routes will be restored.
