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Staff recommends surplus of two inoperable trolley buses; council asks staff to explore repurposing with Metro approval
Summary
Public Works recommended declaring two 2008 trolley buses surplus and auctioning them because parts are obsolete and repair bids unavailable; council asked staff to explore repurposing or acquiring the vehicles but staff said Metro/FTA permission and potential $55k per-vehicle accounting implications apply.
Public Works recommended the council declare two city-owned red trolleys (purchased in 2008 with federal transit grant funds) as surplus and authorize their sale at auction because both vehicles are inoperable, replacement parts are not available and refurbishment bids could not be obtained.
Staff said the vehicles exceeded their useful life (10 years) and were removed from service in 2022; the total original purchase cost was about $309,000. Because expected auction proceeds (~$2,000–$3,000 per vehicle) fall below the federal $10,000 threshold, no grant funds would need to be returned; proceeds would be deposited to the transit fund. Public Works said Metro/regional grant administrators concurred that disposal was appropriate given parts obsolescence.
Several councilmembers asked whether the trolleys could be repurposed as stationary historical displays or kiosks. Staff warned that Metro and the FTA must approve disposition and repurposing and that Metro's accounting would value each vehicle at approximately $55,000; repurposing without approvals could violate grant terms. Council directed staff to explore options with Metro and return with costs and feasibility, including whether the city could purchase the vehicles at auction if permitted.
