Board authorizes monthly finance matters; administration explains expanded van and taxi services and Where's the Bus limitations

The Milwaukee Board approved the district's monthly finance matters, including authorization to make purchases and reports on contracts and grants. During discussion, transportation officials explained why the district is expanding non-yellow-bus services (vans and taxis) for low-density routes and special programs.

David Fiferic, senior director of business transportation services, told the committee that the district spends roughly $70 million on transportation annually and that about 90% of that is on yellow-bus service. He said average per-run costs are roughly $230–$250 for a yellow bus and about $100–$130 for a van; vans carry far fewer students (about four), so they are used selectively when yellow-bus capacity is not efficient. The district has intentionally shifted more work to non-yellow-bus providers where appropriate and stated that funds in contracts are being increased to allow that shift, not because total spending is increasing.

Fiferic said programs that send small groups of students to central locations historically used yellow buses (costing $1–$2 million); shifting some of those runs to van service can be more responsive and cost-effective. Director Zomber asked whether the Where's the Bus app works on vans; Fiferic said the app currently integrates only with yellow buses and that procurement planned within six months will evaluate extending that capability to vans.

Director Leonard moved to approve the monthly finance matters and authorizations to make purchases; the motion passed 5–0.