Budgeting Million Dollar Hybrid Bus Sparks Revenue Concerns

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the allocation of a million dollars for the purchase of a new hybrid diesel-electric bus for the public transit system. This decision has raised questions among some members regarding the financial viability of such an investment, especially in light of the system's current revenue projections.

Last year, the public transit system generated $68,000 in revenue, with projections for this year estimating an increase to $75,000. Concerns were voiced about the sustainability of spending a significant amount on a new bus when the revenue generated from the eight routes averages only three riders per bus per hour.

Additionally, questions were raised about the long-term costs associated with the new bus, particularly the expenses related to replacement batteries, which are crucial for the operation of hybrid vehicles. The discussions highlighted a need for a thorough analysis of the financial implications of the bus purchase, considering both current ridership levels and future operational costs.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that further evaluation of the public transit system's financial health and ridership trends would be necessary before proceeding with the investment in the hybrid bus.