Louisburg council buys used 19-passenger bus for $500 to pursue town shuttle plan

The Louisburg Town Council on Jan. 14 authorized purchase of a used 19-passenger bus for $500 from Franklin Ward Vance Opportunity and directed the town administrator to develop a budget and operational plan for a town shuttle, with a target for usage by July 1, 2025.

Councilmember Mr. Stowe presented the proposal, saying the bus has been inspected by local mechanics and that he believed the vehicle — used previously for Head Start — represented a notable bargain. "This thing is probably worth 25, $30,000, and they're only asking $500," he told the council, urging prompt purchase so it could not be sold to another buyer.

The council asked staff to return with details on the best route, scheduling, whether the service should be managed as an enterprise fund or in the general budget, driver and accessibility requirements, and possible partnerships with the local college and businesses for financial support. Stowe described a conceptual route linking Walmart, downtown Main Street, the college and shopping centers with several stops in town.

Council discussion covered operational details and tradeoffs: whether to run a regularly scheduled service versus on-demand service (distinguished from existing KARTS service), expected fare policy, ADA and handicap-access requirements, and potential carbon-emissions implications (the purchased vehicle is diesel). The EDC was reported to be strongly supportive, and the council noted interest from college staff in improved student access to town businesses.

The motion to purchase the vehicle for $500 passed. Council members said staff would develop a more detailed budget and operational plan and return to the council for final approval before launching service.