The DeKalb City Council on Nov. 10 approved a multi-year transit services agreement with Transdev Services Inc. to operate the city’s fixed-route, ADA paratransit and dial‑a‑ride services from Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2028. City Manager Bill Nicholas told the council the contract was the product of a recent bid process in which Transdev was the only proposer and that the agreement includes options for new low‑floor buses and one‑year renewal options.

“We’ve been happy with Transdev. They provide a good service,” Nicholas said, describing the procurement and staff recommendation. The resolution (2025‑099) was moved by Alderman Larson, seconded by Alderman Zazada, and passed on a roll call vote.

The council also adopted Resolution 2025‑100 to amend the Gillig LLC purchase agreement to acquire one hybrid (flex hybrid) and five diesel buses. The amendment raises the previous not‑to‑exceed amount from $4,005,384 to $4,064,155 — an increase of $58,771 — and the city expects to reimburse those capital costs with Rebuild Illinois grant funds administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Nicholas explained that price adjustments and some vehicle modifications accounted for the increase.

Aldermen praised efforts to expand the city’s control over fleet assets and noted that adding hybrid options supports longer‑term service flexibility. The Gillig amendment (2025‑100) was moved by Alderman Smith, seconded by Alderman Larson, and approved by roll call.

What happens next: the agreements allow the transit manager and staff to move forward with vehicle procurement and operational planning ahead of the 2026 contract start date. The council did not identify outstanding conditions on either approval.

Actions: Resolution 2025‑099 (Transdev contract) — approved; Resolution 2025‑100 (Gillig amendment) — approved.