La Porte board approves up to $25,000 to get municipal transport buses back on the road

The La Porte Urban Enterprise Association board voted to approve a special grant not to exceed $25,000 to help repair the city's transport buses, a measure supporters said is needed to keep service running for seniors and low-income residents.

Mayor Tom Dermody told the board that ridership has climbed and that the system recently hit an "all time high" of 160 riders in a day. "We have increased ridership," he said, arguing the city should support the service so residents can access prescriptions, groceries and work.

Natalie Griffith, identified in the meeting as the manager and primary dispatcher for the transport program, described the fleet's condition: "The bus situation's terrible. They break down daily, and we barely have a mechanic," she said, noting ADA lifts and fuel pumps have recently failed and that only two buses are fully operational. Griffith said one vehicle has been out with transmission problems since 2023.

Board members examined repair estimates presented at the meeting. Two invoices described by staff would total a little over $7,000; an additional $12,000 request was discussed to bring a third bus back into service. Meeting discussion framed $15,000 as sufficient to get three buses operational and $25,000 as sufficient to return all five older vehicles to service, depending on discounts and the mechanic's findings.

The board moved to approve the grant from the special projects fund and to allow city staff to deploy the money to get as many buses operational as possible. The motion was made by a committee member and seconded; the board voted "aye" and the chair asked staff to work with Mary Anne on documentation and reimbursement or direct payment processes.

Why it matters: City officials said the transit service operates curb-to-curb on demand and provides a critical link for seniors and residents without cars. Officials also noted fares have not been raised since 2009 (senior/disabled fare $2.50; general fare $3.25; 10-ride passes $22.50 and $30 were cited) and that the service does not fully fund itself through fares.

Next steps: Staff will provide invoices and documentation to Mary Anne for reimbursement or direct payment as approved by the board. Council members discussed replacement timelines for propane- or gasoline-fueled vehicles and noted lead times for new buses can run many months.

Vote and procedural note: The motion to approve a special grant not to exceed $25,000 passed by voice vote. The board directed staff to return with documentation as purchases are made.