Transportation strain, electric‑bus study and replacement plan highlighted in support‑services presentation

PITTSFORD, N.Y. — At the March 11 meeting the district’s support‑services presentation focused on operational strain from staffing shortages and on the bus‑replacement strategy.

The presenter said the district is short roughly seven to ten drivers on a typical day and relies increasingly on contracted routes when in‑house drivers are not available. To renew the fleet and guard against corrosion and safety failures, the board approved a $2.4 million bus replacement proposition funded from the district’s bus reserve; trustees were told this will not increase the tax levy.

Administrators described a 90%‑complete electric‑bus study done under NYSERDA guidance and said they considered but postponed an electric‑bus purchase this year because of uncertain state timelines and evolving requirements. Officials emphasized they have funds in reserves for a future electric‑bus purchase but will ask voters next year only if state policy and funding align.

Support services also described a proactive nine‑ to ten‑year replacement cadence being shortened to eight years and reviewed maintenance, DOT inspection and safety‑rating considerations that justify an aggressive replacement plan. The board approved the reservation‑fund proposition for the buses by voice vote.

Finally, the presentation covered facility work related to an ongoing capital project at Mendon, 2,600 active work orders in the district work‑order system and coordination with town and village officials to minimize disruption during construction.