Gottheimer targets NYC bus-idling bounty program with bipartisan legislation

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff) is backing bipartisan legislation aimed at curbing New York City’s aggressive enforcement of anti-idling rules against private bus operators, arguing that the current system unfairly targets companies that transport seniors, children, and passengers with disabilities.

Joined by leaders from the American Bus Association, the Bus Association of New York State, and the Business Council of New York State, Gottheimer and Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-New York) announced the introduction of the Buses Utilizing Safety and Environmental Standards (BUSES) Act, which would establish a national standard for bus idling and eliminate New York City’s controversial citizen-enforcement program.

“This bus idling tax is not just bad policy,” Gottheimer said. “Operators are being put in an impossible position: do the job right and risk a fine, or cut corners on safety to beat an arbitrary clock.”

Under current New York City regulations, buses and trucks may not be idle for more than three minutes or more than one minute near schools.  The city’s Citizens Air Complaint Program allows residents to report violations and collect up to 50% of the resulting fines. Penalties range from $350 to $2,000 per violation, with some companies facing fines as high as $15,000.

Supporters of the legislation say the program has evolved into a lucrative cottage industry.  The top five complainants have collectively earned an estimated $3.6 million, while complaints have surged from 49,000 in 2022 to 124,000 in 2024.

Bus operators argue the rules fail to distinguish between unnecessary idling and routine operations such as federally mandated safety inspections, loading passengers with disabilities, or maintaining air conditioning during extreme heat.

The bill would establish a 15-minute federal minimum allowance for over-the-road buses to idle when necessary for safety and passenger service, prohibit bounty-style enforcement programs, and prevent citizen complaints from being used against operators performing essential transportation functions.

According to industry data, more than 4,000 summonses have been issued to private bus carriers since 2020.  Academy Express, a New Jersey-based carrier, received $120,000 in idling fines in a single day.

Gottheimer said the measure would protect passengers while helping hold down transportation costs.  Motorcoach ticket prices have increased by roughly 35% over the last five years, he noted, adding that additional regulatory costs ultimately fall on riders and families.