Norwalk OKs purchase of 54-passenger wheelchair-accessible transit bus after single conforming bid

Norwalk City School District staff presented bids for a wheelchair-accessible, transit-style school bus and explained why the district recommended a higher conforming bid over a lower nonconforming offer. Treasurer Joyce told the board the district received two bids: one from Myers Bus at $149,000 for a conventional bus and a conforming bid from Cardinal Bus Sales for about $154,096 for a transit-style, wheelchair-capable bus. "So it's not actually the low bid that we're accepting, but it's the bid that's what we actually asked for," Joyce said, noting the district requested a transit-style bus to match the existing fleet and to improve maneuverability on in-town routes. Board members and staff discussed the vehicle's specifications: a 54-passenger configuration that accommodates a side-mounted hydraulic wheelchair lift, bolted wheelchair tie-downs and fewer non-disabled passenger seats than an 84-passenger conventional bus. Transportation staff explained the wheelchair lift lowers to street level and that installing the lift and required attachments reduces maximum passenger capacity; the group estimated a wheelchair-equipped bus costs roughly $20,000 more than a comparable conventional bus. Joyce also said state funding for buses is no longer available and that the district will fund the purchase from local sources. The board approved the financial items that included the bus procurement (agenda section 4.1) by roll call during the meeting. Supporting safety work: the district plans to retrofit older buses with a new bright-red flashing illumination and will receive other safety-grant funds to add lighting; new buses will include the feature.