If at first you don't succeed...

From the Daily News:

For the pilot program that replaced axed MTA buses with commuter vans the logic is: If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

The Taxi and Limousine Commission's deadline is today for applications to place a new operator on the former Q79 bus line.

The notice, posted on the TLC website, is a second attempt at the Group Ride Vehicle Program that puts commuter vans on defunct bus line routes in Queens.

A new van company was needed along the Q79 after the van owner, Vivian Barnes of Alpha Van Lines, terminated service nine months early.

Barnes made the final trip from the Little Neck LIRR station on Dec. 17, citing dismal ridership and daily revenue loses.

The other pilot route, the Q74, was not tapped for a second try.

"We leave it up to the marketplace to see what works and what doesn't," said TLC Commissioner David Yassky.

Yassky said that he heard from "community folks" in the Q79 service area, giving hope that a second attempt might yield different results.

"We had some reason to think there might be interest," he said.

Civic group officials in the area said despite its shortcomings, the pilot program is vital due to limited public transportation options.