On Nov. 20, most of the bus companies operating in Manhattan’s Chinatown participated in a meeting with the New York City Department of Transportation over increased enforcement of traffic rules in the wake of a rash of crimes related to the industry. The companies whose routes are linked to tourism and the casinos were particularly vocal about the recent increase in the number of parking tickets that they received.

Recently, Chinatown has seen multiple cases of murder, theft, and

other violence related to the bus industry, sparked by fierce competition and frustration. A murder case on Pike Street, a car chase on Bowery Street, and a shooting on Division Street were all linked to the bus industry. Neighboring businesses and local residents complained about the companies.

According to the head of the 5th Precinct, the issues with Chinatown buses and smaller vans are very difficult to tackle, but the police department is trying to restore order. Police hope to cooperate with those in the bus industry, to inform them about traffic guidelines and let them know the nature of the complaints lodged against the bus companies. There are more than 25 bus companies in Chinatown; together they own more than 150 buses. The most common routes are to Atlantic City casinos and to states like Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

Luo Yin-liang, the manager of Tian-Ma Travel Agency, said that since those crimes, his buses received a total of seven tickets in two weeks, each for $150. His buses are used for tourism. In the past, the 5th Precinct allowed the buses to park for half an hour. Now it was different and he wanted to get a better understanding of police policies. He also emphasized that the violent incidents had nothing to do with tourist buses; therefore, the police should not lump all the companies together and

address them as one group.

Steve Lyle, who handles transportation issues for the Police Department, clarified that buses dropping and picking up customers were only allowed to park for 15 to 20 minutes. Buses were not ticketed without reason. He urged all the bus companies to cooperate with the department. Those who have questions were encouraged to communicate directly with him.

One of the most pressing issues at the meeting was changing the parking time on Forsyth Street, near East Broadway. Right now buses are allowed to park for five hours. Several companies argued that it should be changed to a 15 minute parking zone, to ensure all the

bus lines could engage in fair competition, and that all could have a chance at parking to pick up customers. Representatives from bus companies around East Broadway made no comments at the meeting.

The police precinct also requested that each company inform the 5th Precinct on the total number of buses it has, its preferred parking time and location, and any other relevent information. The police could then come up with standard times and places to meet their preferences and needs.