
    William Coleman et al., Respondents, v Westchester Street Transportation Co., Inc., Appellant.
    Decided September 9, 1982
    
      APPEARANCES OF COUNSEL
    
      Vincent P. Nesci for appellant.
    
      Edward B. Willing for respondents.
   OPINION OF THE COURT

On review of submissions pursuant to rule 500.2 (b) of the Rules of the Court of Appeals (22 NYCRR 500.2 [g]), order reversed, with costs, motion to strike affirmative defense denied and question certified answered in the negative. The local law creating the transit system (Local Laws, 1969, No. 8 of Westchester County; Local Laws, 1970, No. 11 of Westchester County) imposed upon the county a statutory duty to operate it (John Hancock Mut. Life Ins. Co. v Pink, 276 NY 421; Collier Adv. Serv. v City of New York, 32 F Supp 870). The imposition of such duty created an obligation that the county indemnify defendant for any damages recovered against it (General Municipal Law, § 50-b, subd 1) and therefore a notice of claim was required (General Municipal Law, § 50-e, subd 1, par [b]).

Concur: Chief Judge Cooke and Judges Jasen, Jones, Wachtler, Fuchsberg and Meyer. Taking no part: Judge Gabrielli.  