Transit Union Alliance Working Together to Ensure Proper Bus Repairs
Local 106 Maintenance Chairman Antonio Serrano sounded the alarm on a serious safety issue at the MaBSTOA, Gun Hill Depot after in-service buses began appearing on AVM reports with dangerously low brake linings.
Tony is not only a veteran of the United States Military, he is also a seasoned Transit Maintenance Supervisor who has spent years in the field. When Antonio Serrano raises a safety concern, it is not speculation — it is based on experience, knowledge, and a deep understanding of bus maintenance operations. When Tony speaks, people should listen.
Yesterday at Gun Hill Depot was no different.
His concerns immediately drew the attention of the no-nonsense safety team from Transport Workers Union Local 100, who responded to the depot and ordered buses taken out of service to be inspected. Fernando Salomons, UTLO Vice President, was also on the scene. Management was send into a scramble to try and address the issue.
What was discovered is deeply troubling:
- Buses operating on the road with low brake linings
- Buses with defective brake sensors
- No corresponding work orders to track or ensure repairs
These are not minor paperwork oversights — these are critical safety issues involving equipment that carries thousands of New Yorkers every single day.
Unfortunately, this comes as no surprise to anyone who has worked in the Bus Division long enough. There is a culture of “smoke and mirrors” where buses that should never leave the depot are sent out anyway — all to make the division’s numbers look good to upper management.
But safety cannot be sacrificed for statistics.
Local 106 will continue to stand with those who refuse to compromise on safety. When our Maintenance Chairman sounds the alarm, it is because there is a real issue — and we will not ignore it.
Public safety, operator safety, and member protection will always come before optics.
This is just the first Depot on the list of many depots that will now undergo the same scrutiny and safety inspection.
