RTA board approves purchase of six Chevrolet Equinox EV support vehicles

The Riverside County Transportation Authority board of directors unanimously authorized staff to award agreement number P25121 to Winner Chevrolet Incorporated for the purchase of six Chevrolet Equinox battery electric support vehicles.

Melissa Blankenship, director of contracts, told the board the agency has 59 support vehicles and that six vehicles had exceeded their useful service life as defined by the Federal Transit Administration, creating a need to replace them. Staff issued an IFB on Aug. 26 and received three bids on Sept. 10. The recommended award to Winner Chevrolet was the lowest responsive and responsible bid at $173,292; staff also recommended a 10% contingency of $17,329, for a total project amount of $190,621. Staff said the Equinox EV has an approximate full‑charge range of 250 miles and expected delivery in 2026. Funding for the purchase is included in the board‑approved capital budget.

During discussion, a director questioned the need for a contingency on a vehicle purchase; staff explained contingencies are standard because vehicles are often made to order and substitutions or supply issues can occur. A director asked about how retired support vehicles are handled; staff said agency buses and trucks typically go to auction. A board member suggested donating retired vehicles to nonprofit organizations; staff said they would review the vehicle transfer policy with maintenance staff and report back to the board.

The board approved award of agreement P25121 to Winner Chevrolet as recommended.