Committee reviews light‑duty fleet reduction plan and a low‑cost parts solution for aging buses
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Summary
Staff told the committee that the division plans to reduce roughly 25 light‑duty vehicles by mid‑year and about 40 over two years to manage a 148‑vehicle fleet with no current replacement budget; Mister Holland described sourcing a replacement gear selector part for about $47 (previously $500) to reduce downtime for older buses.
The Buildings & Grounds Committee heard Feb. 2 about a proposed two‑year light‑duty fleet reduction plan and about an operational fix for an aging bus part.
Unidentified Speaker (S3) said the division has about 148 light‑duty vehicles with no current budget for scheduled replacement and presented a plan to thin the fleet by roughly 25 vehicles by June or July and ultimately by about 40 vehicles over two years, with the Department of Transportation taking on much of the implementation work. Staff said the plan would be followed by a sustainable, affordable replacement schedule for remaining vehicles.
Mister Holland described recurring maintenance challenges with older buses—parts becoming obsolete and expensive—and said staff located a manufacturer that can supply a previously scarce gear‑selector part for approximately $47, compared with a previous distributor price near $500; he said the replacement part is of higher quality and should reduce inspection failures and downtime. When asked, Mister Holland said the part was not 3D‑printed and appears to be made of a different, longer‑lasting material.
Why it matters: Reducing the light‑duty fleet and finding lower‑cost, durable replacement parts could cut maintenance costs and vehicle downtime, but success depends on implementation details and whether replacement needs reappear in later years.
What’s next: Staff plan to proceed with the reduction plan over the next two years and will return with a formal replacement schedule and any budget implications.