During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the status and financial implications of purchasing electric buses for the local transit system. Currently, two electric buses are on order, with an initial investment of $93,000. If the order is canceled, officials confirmed that the majority of this amount could be refunded, leaving a remaining obligation of $70,000 for the buses.

Concerns were raised about the potential cost increase if the order were to be canceled and a new purchase initiated, particularly as diesel buses are available for under $150,000. The discussion also highlighted the existing infrastructure for electric buses, specifically the charging stations installed two years ago, and the uncertainty regarding their compatibility with future battery technology advancements.

Officials acknowledged the need for a comprehensive understanding of the fleet's current status, including age and operational costs. They plan to gather data on fuel expenses for diesel buses and the cost per mile for electric buses to better inform future decisions. The meeting concluded with a commitment to provide further financial analysis and updates on the electric bus delivery timeline at the next meeting.