Astorino pushes extension of $600 million Bee-Line bus pact

WHITE PLAINS - Liberty Lines, the company that operates much of the Bee-Line bus system and a big donor to outgoing County Executive Rob Astorino, might have its contract extended another five years, one year early.

The county's Board of Acquisition and Contract was set to discuss exercising a contract option that would see the Yonkers-based company's nearly $600 million deal expire in 2023, instead of at the end of next year.

The move was tabled at the request of Board of Legislators Chairman Mike Kaplowitz, but Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett said the item would likely be on next week's agenda.

"From a procedural standpoint, this is quite concerning to the legislators," said Kaplowitz, D-Somers.

He raised questions about the contract's size, terms and the potential that other companies could provide better options.

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He said the matter should be held until the new legislature, with a 12-5 Democratic majority, and County Executive-elect George Latimer, a former Democratic state senator, take office.

Liberty history

Liberty has run buses around the county for decades since brothers Arthur and George Bernacchia started buying smaller bus companies around the county after taking over the company from their father in the 1950s.

In 2013, the Federal Transit Administration threatened to withdraw grants for the Bee-Line system if the county did not agree to seek outside bidders. Liberty threatened to sue if it lost, arguing they owned the bus lines.

To cover itself in case Liberty should sue and win, the county asked any non-Liberty bidders to buy a $20 million bond. The demand was enough to drive out all other bidders and Liberty was awarded the $597 million contract.

The initial term ran for five years starting Jan. 1, 2014. The county held the option to renew for 2019-23.

The company, which provides rides for 27 million passengers a year on 60 routes, is also an Astorino campaign donor. This year alone, Liberty Lines and another company sharing its Saw Mill River Road address donated $4,500 to Astorino's campaign fund.

Astorino spokesman Jerry McKinstry said extending the contract would be more cost effective for the county. A new contract would have to go through a bidding process, which could potentially be lengthy.

"(If the bidding process is) not completed in a timely manner (it) could severely affect bus transportation in the county," McKinstry wrote in an email.

He added that Liberty Lies "has been doing a great job with the buses, as well."

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