EUPTA approves purchase of two NEMT SUVs as demand outpaces available vehicles

The Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority board voted to purchase two non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) SUVs using local funds to address a shortfall in available vehicles, the board's minutes show.

Staff reported strong NEMT demand in July that led to turning down appointments when vehicles were unavailable and that three SUVs had reached vehicle-replacement criteria. The minutes record staff recommending bidding the purchase as a package and allowing dealerships to bid recent model years; board members also suggested requiring "new" in specifications to allow leftover model-year vehicles to be bid if appropriate.

The meeting minutes record a staff estimate that each vehicle would cost EUPTA $2,400 per year as presented to the board. On a motion by Joe Henne, seconded by Brandon Wheeler, the board approved purchasing two NEMT vehicles using local funds; the minutes record the motion as carried by unanimous vote.

Why it matters: NEMT services are mission-critical for riders who rely on scheduled medical transport; a shortfall in vehicles can force denied trips and delayed care. Bidding the purchase as a package could reduce per-vehicle cost, and specifying acceptable model years may broaden bidding options.

What happens next: Staff will proceed with the procurement process and bring bid specifications and outcomes back to the board for final approval or ratification as required.