When Mayor Byron W. Brown recently announced a new assault on potholes, he talked about giving motorists a guarantee that holes would be filled within 24 hours
after the city received complaints.

His acting public works chief endorsed the plan at a meeting of Buffalo's accountability panel.

But after further discussion with experts, the 24-hour pothole-patching pledge the mayor seemed eager to implement a few weeks ago has turned into a 48-hour guarantee. Brown said the goal is more in line with standards used in other cities.

Officials launched the program Wednesday at the Broadway Garage, the nerve center for city streets operations.

Public works officials insist most potholes already are being filled within a day after complaints are made.

Brown said crews have been told to examine every reported pothole within 24 hours. If the repair can be made on the spot, crews will do so. If the pothole requires substantial work, it will be done within 48 hours after the complaint is lodged.

The only exception to the guarantee would be on weekends, because crews don't work Saturdays or Sundays. Complaints that come in late on Friday or on weekends will be addressed on Mondays.

"We're going to be tracking things closely, and that's never been done before," Brown said.

Seven repair crews make up the city's pothole repair unit, and Brown said the brigade could be expanded to nine units in the spring. Two-person crews will handle mending tasks on busier thoroughfares, while one-person crews will work on residential streets.

Making potholes a priority sends a message to people that the city is committed to improving services, Brown said. He added that it also fits into his belief that solving seemingly small quality-of-life problems will pay off greater long-term dividends.

"By fixing lots of little things, you can make vast improvements," he said.

Motorists should report potholes by calling 851-4890.