About BANY

Since 1938 the Bus Association of New York has been the major representative of the bus industry. BANY is recognized as the spokesman for our members on a variety of critical issues. As you are reading this, we are embarking on our 73rd year of service to the bus industry in New York.

The past few years have been busy ones as BANY attempted to save the industry from the machinations of the NYS and NYC governments.

Our successes for BANY include:
~ the exemption of buses from the Transportation Tax;
~the continuation of the sales tax exemption for motorcoaches; (EVERY New York operator benefited from these 2 efforts, probably in the tens of thousands of dollars; making BANY dues a worthwhile investment!)
~the continuing exemption of buses from congestion pricing;
~the recognition by both community groups and elected officials in NYC of the importance of charter and tour buses to the city's financial viability.
~the BANY Annual Meeting and Marketplace held in November in Albany;

Our not quite successes are:
~ the imposition of the MTA payroll tax on the 12 southern NY counties including NYC;
~the continuing harassment of motorcoaches in NYC with traffic tickets and criminal citations for idling, etc.;
~ the lack of functional parking lots in NYC for charter and tour buses.

In 2011, BANY needs to educate the state legislature on solutions that the private bus industry can bring to the state. Rather than look to expand our ever increasing costs to do business in the state by either higher taxes or increased fees, we need to bring solutions to the table that will help cut the states budget deficit. There are many examples of successful, unsubsidized bus operations throughout the state that are proving that the private sector can not only do it better, but NOT be a burden to the taxpayers of the state. By supporting BANY, members will get help not only with the legislature, but all local municipalities throughout the state that might have an adverse effect on bus operations.

Your support is needed in order for us:
~ to help foster an acceptable climate for buses in NYC and all of NY State;
~ to increase the availability of bus parking in the immediate area of mid-town and lower Manhattan;
~ and, most importantly, to prevent the expansion of the MTA or any other transit agency into any new operations that are or could be provided by private bus companies.

The next few years are perilous for private bus companies and our tourism members. Ever increasing and expanding taxes are being sought by NYS to quell its annual budget shortfalls and any business can and will be chased by the "tax 'em" legislators for more and more money. Our industry is small compared to others in the economy and we need to put forth a BIG impression. While New York may be a major destination we also compete with surrounding states for very limited discretionary dollars in today’s limited economy.

BANY has BIG goals for 2011 and we need to play in the BIG leagues to get the BIG results we need. That means we need membership commitments from all bus operators, associates, manufacturers and suppliers, and all our friends in the travel and tourism economy who are dependent on a thriving bus industry for our survival.

BANY is going that “extra mile” for its members in particular and the bus industry in general. We are vigilantly watching for potential legislation and regulations which are not in the best interest of the industry. But we need your help in this 73 year old endeavor.

You, your thoughts and ideas are the foundation of BANY and the reason for our continued successes. The money you invest in BANY, is an investment in your future as surely as a shiny new motorcoach or a brand new customer.

Participate and enjoy.