EDITORIAL : BUS RAGE; MTA DOES IT AGAIN, GIVES US ANOTHER REASON FOR WANTING VALLEY TRANSIT AUTHORITY.

WHEN you ride an MTA bus, make sure you have exact change . . . and be very, very polite to the bus driver.

Maybe even offer to shine his shoes.

Whatever you do, don't annoy the driver; it could be hazardous to your health and safety.

These are just a few safety tips for riders following revelations that MTA supervisors kept bus driver David Smith behind the wheel for seven years despite his failing a drug test and drawing 27 passenger complaints - including that he shoved a toddler and punched a rider.

Rather than punish or, dare we say it, fire the driver, the MTA kept him behind on the road.

Now Smith has cost taxpayers $225,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by 79-year-old Louis Ross, who claimed Smith hit and choked him, causing injuries that cost him $10,000 in medical bills.

The Daily News first described how the 79-year-old Ross was beaten by Smith as part of a broader review of violent bus drivers two years ago.

MTA officials declined to respond, saying information about Smith is confidential because it is a personnel matter. Officials also declined to disclose whether any MTA supervisors were disciplined.

Of course, we all know what a scandal the MTA has been, how there has been no leadership and no accountability. We believe things would be different if the Valley had its own transit authority.

If the people of the Valley had power, the public officials would respond - or else. So the bureaucrats would do their jobs - or else. And drivers would be courteous - or else.

That's the difference between the corruption of downtown politics and what would happen if neighborhoods had power in this city. Maybe that's what the power structure is so afraid of.

Go Valley!