MINEOLA, N.Y. An apparent money and power grab by the Nassau County (New York) Taxi and Limousine Commission has been rebuffed by the Bus Association of New York, once again demonstrating the critical need and role for state bus organizations.

The Taxi and Limousine Commission, a unit of the Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs, announced in late March it intended to begin enforcing state vehicle and traffic laws, and applying county ordinances against for-hire, bus-plated vehicles.

Among other things, the commission intended to require an in-county permit, plus sticker, for all buses picking up or dropping off passengers in the county, and that all drivers operating in the county have a commission-issued driver license (cost, as much as $175) or a New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission license, in addition to their state-issued CDL.

It also planned to enforce urine testing, logbook and trip-sheet requirements.

Violations of these rules and others would be considered "either a deceptive trade practice or an unconscionable trade practice."

A $750 summons could ensue.

At least one New York operator is known to have picked up one of the $750 tickets.

Outraged by the taxi commissions attempted overreach, a group of operators was prepared to sue the county to block the commission action.

However, BANY Executive Director Jerry Kremer intervened with the Nassau County Attorney and won assurances the practice would be halted. Kremer is an attorney and former state legislator.

"This is exactly the type of situation the Bus Association of New York was established to deal with," said BANY President John Silvanie, owner of Suburban Charters in White Plains.

"BANY is here to protect not only our members but also the industry. If BANY didn't exist, it would have to be created," added Silvanie.

Nassau County encompasses roughly a quarter of Long Island, east of New York City.

In the short run, assuredly, it would be smart for operators sending coaches into the county to make sure their drivers have their CDLs (with all endorsements) and medical cards in their possession. And they should be driving coaches with up-to-date plates, and with logbooks documented and current.