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Takara board flags fleet safety issues, approves new buses and oversight as VIA prepares to take over
Summary
The Takara board reviewed a VIA maintenance inspection that identified safety items and several vehicles nearing end of life, approved purchases of replacement buses (including a trial wheelchair securement system), and authorized oversight measures as VIA assumes operations.
The Takara board reviewed a VIA maintenance inspection and moved to accelerate fleet work and replacements on Feb. 17, 2026, approving two purchase orders for replacement buses and authorizing the deputy director to execute the contracts.
Board members heard that VIA’s on-site inspection found a mix of low-cost fixes—missing or improperly mounted fire extinguishers, safety triangles and first-aid kits—and deeper mechanical problems in several vehicles. ‘‘This is not pretty,’’ staff said, and singled out vehicle 35 as ‘‘the worst vehicle we had in our fleet’’ and suggested some vehicles may be uneconomical to repair.
The board discussed immediate options: prioritize and complete…
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