DC2NY says DDOT rules will kill their business

Reader Kevin Ricche, a frequent bus rider to New York, was outraged by DDOT’s new rules limiting intercity buses to loading on a single block at L’Enfant Plaza. He contacted DC2NY, the first low-fare bus to offer Wi-Fi Internet access.

The owner called Kevin back to say that these rules will put them out of business. According to the owner, DDOT has refused to meet with DC2NY, or to explain what “complaints” prompted these rules. He heard that one other bus company may go under as well.

The rules also prohibit selling tickets curbside, which is a common practice for low-fare carriers. It lets people simply show up and buy a ticket instead of having to go to a ticket office or buy online. And I doubt there are any cheap storefronts to rent at L’Enfant Plaza for bus companies to operate ticket windows.

These rules go much farther than necessary. If noise and traffic complaints are an issue, there are many ways to fix them. We shouldn’t be doing this so hastily, without public input. The buses have been operating for a long time—what’s the rush?

Worst of all, it’s hard to avoid at least the appearance that DDOT is doing this at the behest of another bus company. Greyhound and others pay money to have their own loading facilities, and they would enjoy cutting down this competition. Not being able to buy tickets curbside will favor the established bus companies. Maybe DDOT has good reasons, but we just don’t know.

The Council should pass emergency legislation to stay these rules until a real discussion can happen.