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CTA approves surplus of aging bus and directs staff to pursue new dispatch software; transit facility grant pending
Summary
The Calaveras Transit Authority authorized declaring one aging bus surplus and directed staff to begin transitioning to new dispatch software platforms to improve real‑time tracking and reporting.
The Calaveras Transit Authority reported operational and capital matters at the Nov. 5 meeting. Staff recommended declaring one large‑capacity bus surplus after bus 65 experienced a transmission failure and bus 66 showed similar high‑mileage maintenance history. Officials said both buses have service mileage near 383,000–398,000 miles and staff has been reviewing maintenance records to decide which vehicle to keep. The board authorized the executive director to surplus a bus and dispose of it; the consent passed 7–0.
Transit staff said the agency currently uses two dispatch software platforms (one for fixed route and one for Dial‑A‑Ride) that are outdated and create manual reporting work. After evaluating options, staff recommended Peak Transit for fixed route and Via for Dial‑A‑Ride to provide real‑time tracking for customers and dispatchers, improved reporting and greater operational flexibility. The board directed staff to proceed with agreements and implementation planning; staff estimated an approximately eight‑week turnaround for Dial‑A‑Ride implementation once data upload begins.
Staff also reported a separate administrative development: the Calaveras Board of Supervisors approved accepting Airport Road to provide legal access needed for the transit facility, and staff is negotiating a small property dedication adjacent to the road for access improvements. Separately, staff said the agency’s Federal Transit Administration grant application for $12 million to build a new transit facility remains pending beyond the 75‑day target window (deadline Oct. 28 as reported); staff attributed the delay in part to federal processing and potential impacts from a government shutdown and will notify the board when the award status changes.
The board approved the bus surplus and the software direction and will continue to monitor the FTA grant outcome and property negotiations related to facility access.
