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Wausau Transit Commission directs staff to seek bids for 10 VW‑settlement buses
Summary
The commission authorized the transit director to request a formal bid from Gillig for 10 replacement buses funded through the Volkswagen (VW) settlement, with preliminary per‑bus funding noted at $640,000 and a 15–18 month build timeline once ordered.
The Wausau Transit Commission on March 20 voted unanimously to authorize the transit director to request a formal bid from Gillig for 10 replacement buses under the VW settlement program.
The vote followed staff notification that the commission would receive funding through the VW settlement to replace 10 buses and that the initial per‑bus funding figure is $640,000. The transit director told commissioners the buses are not expected to include agency‑specific fare‑box or announcement technology and that those systems would be purchased and installed separately.
The transit director said, “We have got notification back from the VW settlement that we will be getting the 10 buses. We have $640,000 per bus.” The director added that each of the 10 replaced buses will require destruction of the engine box and that old vehicles could be sold for scrap for “no more than $1,800 per bus.” The director also said the build time from approval is expected to be about “15 to 18 months.”
Commissioners moved and seconded a motion “to accept and give the transit director direction to go to Gillig to start that process.” The motion, made by Commissioner Hope and seconded by Commissioner Kislevin, passed unanimously.
The transit director said a formal bid from Gillig will include a full build specification and final price per bus; staff will return to the commission with that contract price before any purchase is finalized. The director also said CARES Act funds may be available to supplement any difference between the VW settlement amount and the final procurement cost.
Commissioners asked whether the buses would be electric or hybrid; staff said the current facility lacks the electrical infrastructure needed for electric or hybrid vehicles and that a separate relocation feasibility study is under way to assess future infrastructure needs. Staff noted the VW settlement buses are intended to match the agency's current operational and maintenance capabilities.
Next steps: staff will obtain the Gillig bid and report back to the commission with a contract price and recommended procurement action for formal approval.
