Long Island Bus riders, students and members of various advocacy groups gathered at the Mineola Intermodal Center today to mourn the potential passing of LI Bus.

In the face of historic underfunding by Nassau County and a hastily proposed $26 million cut from the MTA, the LI Bus system is at a precipice. If Nassau County does not increase its contribution substantially and the MTA does not step back from its hard line on the funding cut, LI Bus will either cease to exist, or perhaps limp on as a shell of its former self.

The memorial service, followed immediately by a funeral procession to the steps of the Nassau County Legislature, focused on what LI Bus means to riders, access to education and the missions of the advocacy groups in attendance, which included, New York Communities for Change, Vision Long Island, Long Island Progressive Coalition, Sustainable Long Island, Transport Workers Union Local 252 and the Long Island Federation of Labor-AFL/CIO.

In a press release from the groups, Vision Long Island’s Eric Alexander said LI Bus’ passing would be “a dark day for LI Bus riders and Long Island small businesses that rely on this important service to get to work and other services.”  He added that “government leaders on all levels should focus on continuing this important service and look deep into their budgets and re-prioritize funding.”

Following the procession, the groups called for an end to the games that have plagued negotiations between Nassau County and the MTA and added a call to action which urged Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, the Nassau County Legislature and the MTA to negotiate in good faith and find a sustainable solution to funding LI Bus.

It remains to be seen whether they will answer the call.

Nassau County’s 2011 Budget did not include any increase in funds for the bus system, leaving county funding for LI Bus at its lowest level in 7 years. The County Legislature will take testimony on LI Bus twice in the coming days — at its Finance Committee hearing on Oct. 8 at 10 am and at the Full Legislature hearing at Oct. 18 at 10 am.  Both hearings take place at the Legislative Chambers in Mineola.

Photos: Ya-Ting Liu/TSTC.