In June, Matthew W. Daus, Esq. joined legislators, advocates from various bus associations and other industry stakeholders to announce the bipartisan BUSES Act. The legislation seeks to establish federal standards for over-the-road bus idling while addressing concerns that New York City’s current anti-idling enforcement program can penalize operators performing safety inspections, accommodating passengers with disabilities, and protecting travelers during extreme weather conditions. The proposal reflects many of the operational, safety, and accessibility issues Mr. Daus, founder and chair of the Windels Marx Transportation Practice Group, highlighted in a recent amNY op-ed.
Under New York City law, buses and trucks may not idle for more than three minutes or more than one minute adjacent to a school. The city enforces these rules through the Citizens Air Complaint Program, which pays residents 25% of any fine collected when they report an idling vehicle. Complaints directed to the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) can collect 50%. Fines range from $350 to $2,000 per violation, with companies subject to fines up to $15,000.
Some New Yorkers have reportedly turned bus bounty hunting into a full-time profession – the top five earners have collectively pocketed an estimated $3.6 million. Complaints under the program have spiked, from 49,000 in 2022 to 124,000 in 2024, with more than 62,000 already filed in 2026 alone.
Current NYC law makes no clear distinction between a bus idling for no reason and one actively serving passengers, according to the bill’s sponsors. In practice, it penalizes operators for basic, legally required operations such as conducting federal safety inspections, loading passengers who are elderly or have disabilities, or keeping passengers at health risk cool during extreme heat.
According to METRO Magazine, the bipartisan BUSES Act would:
- Establish a 15-minute federal floor for idling restrictions on over-the-road buses – allowing time to complete a federally required safety inspection, lower a wheelchair lift, and prevent dangerous heat buildup for passengers.
- End bounty-style enforcement mechanisms tied to bus idling violations.
- Prevent citizen suits from being weaponized against operators for basic operational necessities.
Daus has pointed out that private buses and motorcoaches are among the most efficient and environmentally sustainable forms of ground transportation, moving large numbers of passengers while reducing roadway congestion and vehicle emissions. He has urged policymakers to recognize private bus operators as a key part of the transportation solution rather than burdening them with unfair policies.
Source: Windels Marx
