ALBANY, N.Y. -- The Bus Association of New York State, known widely as BANY, has launched a sweeping and ambitious overhaul that calls for both an increase in membership and a more diverse membership.

The moves are designed to help strengthen the association so it can work more effectively to head off invasive budgetary proposals from Gov. David Paterson that would reduce bus-operator commerce.

"The budgetary headaches of New York State and the nation, in general, will have much to do in the shaping of our agenda," says Jerry Kremer, the associations long-time counsel.

"New York is faced with a $15 billion (budget) deficit and will be resorting to a variety of nuisance taxes to balance the budget. In order to proactively oppose these increases, we will be actively recruiting new members who can help us spread our message to prevent the passage of the tax package," says Kremer.

BANY members are meeting Feb. 5, to discuss the states proposals, including the governors executive budget, which proposes a levy on bus-ticket sales and repeal of a cap on the diesel fuel tax.

In the fall, the association plans to conduct a mini-marketplace where vendors can gain access to members and to raise dollars for the association.

As part of its campaign, the association wants to double membership this year and again in 2010. The goal is to have each member bring in a member in 2009 and again in 2010.

Through direct mailings, e-mails, personal connections and other communication devices, the 71-year-old association plans to increase membership from its current level of about 30, says President John Silvanie, who heads White Plains Bus Co.

The association was originally set up to serve regular-route carriers. Its bylaws were rewritten early last year to open membership to charter-and-tour operators, companies with commercial bus operations, shuttle companies and para-transit operators.

The board of directors also has been redesigned to bring more diverse voices to the table, including Ken Presley, United Motorcoach Association vice president of industry relations, and UMAs chairman, Godfrey LeBron. LeBron is BANYs secretary and is co-owner of Paradise Trailways in Hicksville, N.Y.

"We believe this infusion of new blood onto the board of directors will bring a wealth of new ideas and new programs which will help drive the membership process," says Silvanie.

For years, the association has focused much of its attention on the New York State Department of Transportation operating assistance program, which is vital to regular-route carriers.

The program, called the State Transit Operating Assistance Program, reimburses bus companies based on revenue passengers and revenue miles. The fundamental issue each year was the level of assistance the state would provide.

Now, the issue has become more critical. This years executive budget looks at the possibility of reducing the program significantly.

Another funding issue involves tourism programs, like I Love New York, which is also facing possible cuts.

The overarching mission of BANY today is to promote and protect its members through advocacy in Albany and New York City, preventing bad legislation and regulations, and proactively promoting good legislation and regulations, says Silvanie.