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Council approves consideration of new bus purchase after 2021 vehicle develops major problems
Summary
The council moved to consider replacing a troubled 2021 Ford cutaway used in city transportation services rather than repair it. Transportation staff said repairs could cost roughly $12,000 but the city's share would be about $3,000; a new replacement bus was quoted at about $9,020 and would take roughly 180 days to arrive.
Casey, the city's transportation director, told the City Council on April 22 that a 2021 Ford cutaway in the municipal fleet has a blown engine and multiple sensor and lift problems, and that repair estimates were running about $12,000. Because the fleet warranty and vehicle-mileage limits have been exceeded, he said most repairs would not be covered.
Casey explained the department had budgeted for a potential replacement in the two-year state budget cycle and that delivery for a new bus would take about 180 days. He said the department's calculations show the department would pay about 25% of major repair costs (roughly $3,000), but the repeated problems with the 2021 vehicle had made staff consider ordering a new bus to expand and stabilize the fleet.
"We've had 96,000 miles on it," Casey said of the 2021 vehicle, adding that the bus had been a "problem child" with higher repair costs compared with other, older units. A new Ford Transit-style bus was quoted near $9,020, he said.
Councilmembers discussed repair-versus-replace tradeoffs and asked about warranties, expected useful life, and service levels. Casey said the 2021 vehicle was out of the manufacturer's miles-based warranty and that only some electrical and lift components remained under limited warranty. He said the department's long-term goal is to operate a seven-vehicle fleet to meet growing ridership: "My goal is to have 7 vehicles in operation so we can have about 4 to 5 for the school kids ... and 2 buses for the public." The department reported peak ridership of 212 in a recent month while running five buses.
Councilmember Ratcliffe moved and the motion was seconded to consider ordering a replacement bus rather than repairing the 2021 unit; the motion passed on voice vote. Council members asked Casey to return to the council in a couple of weeks with more details if the department proceeds with an order.
No contract award or purchase order was executed at the April 22 meeting; council authorization was limited to considering a purchase and asking staff to return with formal procurement paperwork if they choose to proceed.
