Rangel Calls Vision Zero Bus Op Arrests "One Big Damn Mistake"

Powerful Harlem Congressman Charlie Rangel took aim at the de Blasio adminstration on Monday for making "one big damn mistake" by allowing MTA Bus Operators to be arrested under the new Vision Zero law. He visited the Mother Clara Hale depot in Harlem on 145th and Lenox along with Assemblyman Keith Wright, and City Councilwoman Inez Dickens, both of whom back amending the law so as not to subject Bus Operators to arrest. TWU Local 100 President John Samuelsen has called criminalizing the work of Bus Operators an outrage, noting that the Union is supportive of Vision Zero's goal -- to make driving in New York City safer -- but is backing Intro. 663 in the City Council because the law, as currently written, mandates police to make arrests even if there is no negligence or recklessness on the part of the driver. President Samuelsen gave a shout-out to union members on WBLS radio with on-air personality Dr. Bob Lee, who also came to the depot.