After Bus Crash, Schumer Calls For Enforcement Of Current Rule
On September 18, a Dahlia charter bus collided with an MTA bus in Flushing leaving three people dead. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is now calling on the DOT to implement a law that he passed in 2012 regarding bus safety regulations.
The law requires that charter buses, like the Dahlia, clearly post a letter grade indicating their safety level — similar to the grades posted in the front windows of restaurants. This allows passengers an opportunity to see what they’re getting into before boarding the bus.
“On the heels of the terrible Dahlia crash and new information that shows there are other bad actors out on the streets, some worse than Dahlia, your gut reaction is to ask what more can be done to prevent these kinds of crashes and improve the culture of safety,” said Schumer. “But in this case, we have a law I passed in 2012 that can not only help solve this problem, but can better inform the public, too. That is why I am asking the federal Department of Transportation (DOT) to hit the gas on a federal letter-grade system for private bus companies.”
The Dahlia bus had 11 violations at the time of the crash — enough to curb it for good, Schumer said.
He voiced his opinion and called for the law to be put into action in a letter written to the head of the US DOT, Elaine Chao.
Van Bramer’s Office Providing IDNYC Cards For Next Two Weeks
Anyone who is 14-years-old or older can now visit City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer’s office to register for an IDNYC card. His office will be providing this service Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm, until October 13th.
The IDNYC cards provide more benefits than just having a form of ID. They allow access to Brooklyn, Queens, and New York public libraries; provide discounts and one-year memberships to over 40 cultural institutions around the city; provide discounted CitiBike memberships, and enroll you in local credit unions.
Anyone of age can get one, regardless of immigration status. Applicants must bring proof of identity and residency in New York City.
Van Bramer’s office is at 47-01 Queens Blvd Suite 205, Sunnyside.
Senator Comrie And Others To Host Constitutional Convention Town Hall
State Senator Leroy Comrie (D-Jamaice, Queens Village), and other elected officials will be hosting a town hall event tonight at the Robert Ross-Johnson Family Life Center at 172-17 Linden Blvd., Jamaica.
New York voters will decide on election day in November whether or not to hold a constitutional convention and the officials holding this event want the voters to be informed before making that decision.
“Many voters are unaware that on the ballot this November they will be asked whether our state should convene a constitutional convention ,” said Comrie. “As an elected leader, I feel obligated to do all that I can to ensure that my constituency is fully informed of what’s at stake and that their voices are heard loud and clear come November 7th.”
The event starts at 6:30pm. Among the other elected officials who will be there are State Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman (D-Jamaica, Hollis, Rosedale), State Assembly Member Clyde Vanel (D-Cambria Heights, Hollis, Queens Village), and City Council Member Daneek Miller (D-Cambria Heights, Hollis Jamaica).
