As Westchester residents are increasingly facing difficult financial choices when it comes to their mode of transportation, Westchester County Executive George Latimer is introducing legislation to cap the county’s collection of sales tax on gas purchases to $.12 per gallon, equal to the cost of the tax with gas at $3 per gallon, and suspending fares on Bee-Line Buses.

If approved, this proposed gas tax cap will run from June 1, 2022 to Nov. 30, 2022. Latimer›s directive on the county’s Bee-Line Bus fares does not require legislation. This suspension of fares will run during the summer until a later date.

“Every single penny counts when making your family’s budget—and we want to encourage residents to travel our County and enjoy their summers,” Latimer
said. “The capping of our gas tax will help Westchester families stretch their budgets just a little bit further.”

Understanding that the capping of the county’s sales tax collection on gas purchases does not impact all Westchester residents equally, Latimer is also directing the county’s Bee-Line Bus Service to suspend fares for riders. “Not every Westchester resident drives a car, and rising costs in everyday life are impacting all
of us,” Latimer said. “This brief fare respite is aimed at helping all residents have a little extra cash in their pockets this summer.”

The proposed legislation capping the collection of sales tax on gas purchases will now enter the county Board of Legislators committee process, with the suspension of bus fares only requiring county executive approval.
(Submitted)