ALBANY, N.Y. The Bus Association of New York State, commonly known as BANY, has announced its officers for 2007, and an ambitious work program for the remainder of the year.

John Silvanie, president of Suburban Charters and White Plains Bus, has become president of the association. Elected vice presidents were John Corrado of Suffolk Bus Corp., Edward F.X. Gallagher Jr. of Leprechaun Lines, and George Semke of Harran Transportation.

The association secretary is David Mankoff of Hampton Jitney, and the treasurer is Melvin Konner of the CPA firm of Konner, Harbus and Schwartz.

"With a new governor in New York and changes in the U.S. Congress, the role of BANY becomes even more important," said Silvanie.

"We are the eyes and ears of our membership. We will testify at governmental hearings and work with key legislators as we develop our legislative agenda that will include seeking fairer tolls on the New York State Thruway, and on highways, bridges and tunnels operated by the Triboro Bridge and Tunnel Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey."

Additionally, said Silvanie, the association will be seeking to eliminate sales taxes on all commercial vehicles seating 20 or more adults, and opening discussions regarding the need to provide charter bus parking spots in Manhattan.

BANY, which has been around for 69 years, prides itself on being the oldest association dedicated to private bus companies doing business in New York and the region. It represents the interests of regular route, charter and tour, shuttle and other commercial operators.

The association has weathered its fair share of challenges during the past decade, including consolidation in the mid-and-late 1990s, the industry slowdown at the start of this decade, 9/11, and more recently the take over of seven large private operators that provided daily transit service in New York City.