After an extensive review and competitive bidding process, Westchester County has awarded Liberty Lines a 10-year contract to continue operating the County’s Bee-Line Bus system. The contract, issued following a Request for Proposals (RFP) in 2023, is valued at $1.8 billion — saving taxpayers millions of dollars compared to the other bidder for the contract.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “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 agreement reflects the County’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and high-quality service for its residents. Notably, this was the first RFP designed to encourage broader competition, with two responding: Liberty Lines and TransDev Transportation. Also for the first time, the contract includes Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goals, underscoring the County’s dedication to diversity and inclusion.
Prior to issuing the RFP, the County surveyed Bee-Line passengers to seek their input. In response to rider feedback, the contract for the first time includes performance metrics. These metrics cover on-time performance, traffic citations, announcements of stops and bus cleanliness. The County has the authority to assess liquidated damages if Liberty Lines fails to meet these performance indicators.
Both companies were put through an intensive review by County employees and a panel. Among them Westchester County Transportation Board Chair Thomas Ross and The New York Community Trust – Westchester Office Vice President Laura Rossi.
Ross said: “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. The contract takes advantage of the power created by combining private business skills and public management oversight to produce high quality public transit services.”
Rossi said:“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.”
TWU LOCAL 100 VP PBL Danny D’Amato said: “We would like to congratulate Liberty Lines on winning the bid to provide transportation for the residents of Westchester County. Local 100 members at Liberty Lines have been providing transportation to the residents of Westchester for many decades. We are proud of the partnership with the County and Liberty, and have historically worked together to ensure that the people of Westchester County have access to safe and reliable transportation.”
This new contract marks a significant step forward in enhancing the Bee-Line system, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of Westchester County residents while maintaining high operational standards and promoting fair business practices.
Westchester County remains dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and affordable public transportation, and this new contract with Liberty Lines ensures continued enhancements to the Bee-Line system for years to come.
