Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Transit topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Anderson council approves purchase of three 35-foot transit buses, not to exceed $1.662 million
Summary
Council approved purchase of three 35-foot low-floor buses from Hometown Manufacturing, funded with CARES Act, FTA 5307 grant and local match; staff said purchase will replace older vehicles and expand capacity on regional routes.
The Anderson City Council voted unanimously to approve the purchase of three 35-foot low-floor transit buses, awarding the order to Hometown Manufacturing with a not-to-exceed total of $1,662,000, city staff said.
Transit Director Keith Moody told the council the purchase will replace two older Eldorado buses (2012 and 2014) and a 2019 Ford Transit van, and will provide increased seating capacity for routes where ridership has grown. Moody described the available options and independent cost estimates required by federal rules: Hometown Manufacturing 35-foot buses priced roughly $455,000'$554,000 with an 18-month build time; Gillig 35-foot buses estimated $580,000'$625,000 with 24-month build time; New Flyer 35-foot buses $625,000'$725,000 with 24-month build time. Staff recommended Hometown Manufacturing based on the cost estimate and build timeline.
Moody said funding would come from the CARES Act, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5307 grant and a required local match. He emphasized safety features on the newer buses, including onboard cameras, exterior surveillance and remote monitoring so staff can review bus footage and performance in real time.
Council discussion included fleet rotation rules tied to federal grant requirements and the process for disposing of replaced vehicles (sale via surplus platforms such as GovDeals). Council members noted transit routes extend beyond city limits to neighboring towns including Belton and areas served in coordination with Tri-County and Clemson-area transit connections.
The motion to approve the purchase was made by Councilman Steel and seconded by Councilman Thompson; the council voted "aye" and the measure passed unanimously.
