Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fleet Procurement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Capital Metro approves purchase of 75 Ram ProMaster vans to expand Access and pickup services
Summary
Board authorized a contract not to exceed $5,963,100 to buy 75 Ram ProMaster 3500 vans; staff said the vans are wheelchair accessible, provide operational flexibility for access and pickup services and the procurement was advanced this year to capture cost savings.
Capital Metro’s board on May 19 approved a contract authorization to acquire 75 Ram ProMaster 3500 vans at a total cost not to exceed $5,963,100.
Why the purchase
Staff said the procurment advances previously planned FY2026 purchases to FY2025 to realize cost savings. The vans are wheelchair accessible and will be branded generically so Capital Metro can deploy them in MetroAccess (paratransit) and pickup services. Agency staff said the vans are smaller and less expensive than cutaway-style vehicles, offering operational flexibility.
Presentation and questions
Rahul Nair, Vice President of Rolling Stock and Support Equipment, presented the procurement rationale and alignment with strategic goals including accessibility and reliability. Board members asked what portion of the fleet 75 vehicles represent; staff said the new vans are roughly one-third of the relevant small-vehicle fleet (presenters offered an approximate figure comparing to the total fleet).
Board action
The board authorized the president and CEO or designee to finalize and execute a contract with the recommended vendor (Bridal 1 Inc. in the staff presentation) for up to $5,963,100. The motion passed unanimously.
Clarifying details
- Staff said the vehicles will be wheelchair accessible and carry a generic livery to allow use across Access and pickup services.
- Staff described the procurement as an advancement of planned FY2026 purchases to capture a favorable price in FY2025.
Quote
“Investing in these new assets places fiscal responsibility, reliability and accessibility at the center of our paratransit services,” Rahul Nair said during the presentation.
Next steps
Staff will finalize contract details and proceed with vehicle delivery and deployment to Access and pickup services per operational needs.
