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Transit providers say they can absorb trips after one bidder withdrew; county schedules July 9 vendor meeting
Summary
After one transit vendor withdrew from senior/disabled transportation contracts, remaining providers said they can absorb trips; county scheduled a July 9 meeting with vendors to review capacity and vehicle availability while prosecutors cautioned about legal implications of changing awarded contracts.
Commissioners discussed transportation contracts for senior and disabled transit after a provider withdrew from the roster of contractors.
Providers present said the remaining vendors can absorb the trips. Dave Merkin of ComfortCarolina said the program historically operated with four providers and that distributing the roughly 870 monthly trips among four providers averages to about five round trips per day per provider, which he said is feasible. Merkin and other vendors indicated willingness to hire drivers or buy vehicles as needed.
County staff scheduled a July 9 meeting with vendors and staff to coordinate capacity and vehicle availability. County legal counsel cautioned that once a bid is awarded, it is risky to reallocate work to vendors that did not win the original award; he said the board could ask the prosecutor to research options but recommended caution. Commissioners expressed a preference for using existing contractors rather than re‑opening the bidding process.
No formal contract award changes or votes were recorded on the record; staff planned to continue vendor coordination and to report back to the board.
