Update 9/16: Here’s a picture of the rally, in progress:

In advance of the MTA’s Nassau County public hearing on LIRR and LI Bus fare increases tomorrow, county legislator Robert Troiano will hold a rally on a more pressing issue: The potential elimination of Long Island Bus service.

The MTA has proposed cutting all its funding for LI Bus. In an e-mail to transit supporters, Troiano lamented the subsequent breakdown of negotiations between the MTA and Nassau County and said his rally was meant to “encourage our leadership to resume discussions.”

Meanwhile, Nassau County has moved one step closer to privatization of the bus system, issuing a request for proposals from private companies. Given that the MTA will contribute $26 million to run the system in 2010, nearly three times what the county provides, privatization would almost certainly be more expensive for county taxpayers.

The rally starts at the Hempstead Bus Terminal at 4:30 pm tomorrow, September 16. From there, participants will ride to the MTA hearing, which starts at 6 pm at the Garden City Hotel on 45 7th Street in Garden City. Legislator Troiano’s office can be called at 516-571-6202 for more information.

Photo: TSTC.