Westchester Reporter

Westchester County has awarded Liberty Lines a five-year contract to operate the Bee-Line Bus system. The decision follows an extensive review and competitive bidding process initiated by a Request for Proposals (RFP) in 2023. Valued at $1.8 billion, the contract aims to save taxpayers millions compared to other bids.

County Executive Ken Jenkins emphasized public involvement in the decision-making process: “We listened to the public, our riders, advocates, transportation professionals and elected leaders. Their concerns were at the forefront of our evaluation process and Liberty Lines scored significantly higher in addressing these concerns while still presenting a more cost-effective proposal.”

The contract underscores Westchester County's commitment to fiscal responsibility and quality service. For the first time, it includes Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goals, highlighting a focus on diversity and inclusion. Performance metrics such as on-time performance, traffic citations, stop announcements, and bus cleanliness have been introduced based on passenger feedback.

Both Liberty Lines and TransDev Transportation underwent thorough evaluations by county employees and experts like Westchester County Transportation Board Chair Thomas Ross and The New York Community Trust – Westchester Office Vice President Laura Rossi.

Ross stated: “Westchester County announcement of the award of a 10-year contract to Liberty Lines continues the ongoing process of improving public transportation. The new contract is significant as it provides the County and Liberty Lines the tools to increase the bus system’s performance and the County to more tightly control costs."

Rossi added: “Good public transit is a win for our families and for the future of Westchester and the region. Thanks to the persistent work of many, this contract will lead to improved bus service that meets the needs of our entire community.”

Danny D’Amato from TWU LOCAL 100 expressed support: “We would like to congratulate Liberty Lines on winning the bid to provide transportation for the residents of Westchester County... We are proud of the partnership with the County and Liberty."

This agreement marks progress in enhancing Bee-Line services while ensuring operational standards remain high.