Rockland Suspends Brega, Bus Companies Under Indictment

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — As a result of the indictment of Richard Brega, accused of fraud against Rockland BOCES, officials have suspended Brega and the Brega organizations, barring them from bidding on future contracts, and are working toward a transition to a new company to provide bus services for the county.

County officials took the step last week after they were informed that the Federal Transit Administration had suspended Brega Transport and its related companies.

The federal agency noted that the FTA-imposed suspension would remain in effect while Richard Brega faces federal corruption charges related to contracts with Rockland BOCES. "The charges against you raise serious questions about your present responsibility and make your immediate suspension and that of the companies you control necessary for the protection of the public interest," according to the letter.

The FTA's action could put federal funding for Rockland County's bus services at risk. The full impact of the federal suspension remains unclear.

"The criminal indictment against Richard Brega impedes his companies' ability to comply with the bus contracts and to provide all of the services that the county requires for its customers," County Executive Ed Daysaid. "We believe it is in the best interest of the County and residents who use this service to find another operator."

SEE ALSO:

• Legislators Award Bus Contract To Brega
• UPDATE: Rockland Bus Company Owner Indicted in BOCES Fraud
• Legislators Criticize County Exec Over Bus Contracts
• Legislators Override County Executive's Veto
• New Operator Takes Over TOR and TZx Bus Service
• Sparaco Pleads Guilty in Electoral Fraud Case
• Gromack Part of Federal Ethics Investigation

"We are separating the County from Brega in an orderly way that maintains safe and reliable service to the nearly 10,000 Rockland residents who rely on this bus service each day," Day said.

The local suspension covers all contracts between the County and Brega, including the Department of Health's pre-school and Early Intervention transportation contract, the Brega DOT Maintenance and Automotive Repair contracts and the Brega Commercial Collision contract.

Rockland has five contracts with Brega-related companies.

One of those contracts is with Brega Transport Corp. for the maintenance and operation of the TOR and TZx bus services. The Rockland Department of Public Transportation oversees that contract, which is partially funded by federal and state agencies.

The FTA's action has no immediate impact on the county's ability to continue operating the TOR and TZx buses on their current schedules; however, the action will delay start of the expanded TZx weekend bus service.

While the Rockland Department of Public Transportation already has in place a set of monitoring processes in the oversight of the TOR and TZx contract, following the indictment the County implemented even more oversight and auditing activities to ensure the safety and well-being of its nearly 10,0000 customers served daily.

Rockland County is working to ensure that its public transportation bus system continues to function without disruption as a new provider is evaluated, Day said.

"Nearly 10,000 people in Rockland use this bus service every day," he said. "We are not going to leave them without a way to get to work or school or any place else they need to go."

The County is working with Brega Transport Corp. to assign the current contract to another experienced and capable public transport provider, according to Day.

"The County does not intend to terminate the current contract until a viable replacement contractor is identified by Brega Transport Corporation and approved by the County," Day said. "Will continue to work cooperatively with Brega on a contract assignment that will provide continuity of service for riders and protect Brega's current employees wherever possible."

If the County has to issue an expedited procurement to get bids from a new provider, the county will indicate that it prefers that the new operator maintain as many Brega employees as possible.

The County Executive and the county departments of Public Transportation, Law and Purchasing Division will continue to work diligently to ensure a smooth transition of the Brega contract for TOR and TZx buses to another experienced and qualified provider.

"We thank Brega for its cooperation during this transition," Day said.

Vincent Marzella, Jr., Chief Operations Officer for Brega Transport Corp., has assured the county that the company and its employees are working diligently to make sure there are no service interruptions during the transition.