In a small way I am trying to make a difference and I’m not always certain that I have been successfull. Recently I embarked upon a campaign to reduce the idling of buses at layovers and terminals in the city and especially Queens. There is a city ordinance put out by the Department of Finance that states that “ No person shall cause or permit the engine of any bus to idle at a layover or terminal location. . . There are a few exceptions which do not usually apply. I have spoken with bus drivers as well as written to the MTA, EPA, DOT (each 2 X), Mayor Bloomberg, State Senator Padavan and the Queens Tribune. Only the EPA and DOT have bothered to respond to me. Most recently the DOT called me and said I should contact Commissioner Raymond Kelly. They said that the police are responsible for the enforcement of the regulation. In the meantime the area I have been able to watch, 39th Avenue between Union and Main street in Flushing has shown some improvement. Last Sunday none of the 4 buses parked had their engines running. Someone may have well spoken with these drivers about the regulation. It would be useful for other citizens of our city to check out other layovers and terminals to see if the no idling regulation is being enforced. If this were brought to the attention to the proper authorities we could significantly clean up the air of New York. I would be glad to coordinate this activity.

# Posted by Eve Winer on 6/22/04; 10:10:00 AM - --