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Ready Bus says routes ran without misses and proposes five‑year contract with initial 5% increase
Summary
Ready Bus representatives told the board they ran every route with no missed runs this year, introduced stop‑arm and interior cameras, and proposed a five‑year contract with a 5% increase in Year 1 then 2% or indexed increases thereafter; they also described driver pay, snow‑day compensation and safety training.
Representatives for Ready Bus described operational performance, safety investments and a proposed five‑year transportation contract to the La Crescent‑Hokah School Board.
Trayon, joined by terminal manager Chris Shelby, said the company covered every route this year with no missed runs and reported no safety incidents for their service. They have installed stop‑arm cameras funded by a grant and are rolling out interior cameras that will eventually upload footage to the cloud for easier access. The company also conducts safety trainings and is working with law enforcement on stop‑arm enforcement.
On contract terms, Ready Bus proposed a five‑year extension with a 5% cost increase in the first year and then either 2% annually or adjustments tied to state funding increases. The company said it is willing to negotiate terms and emphasized its long relationship (over 70 years) with the district.
Operational and personnel details included plans to implement a more advanced routing system (Traversa) to improve efficiency and a parent‑tracking app; driver wages are reviewed annually with September increases and the company pays drivers fully for snow days (changed to 100% the prior year). Ready Bus representatives also described bullying‑prevention training for drivers and efforts to retain experienced drivers, noting driver longevity and near‑full staff return expected next year.
Board members asked questions about snow‑day pay and contract comparators; Ready Bus said 85% is common in other area contracts but that the company had moved to 100% pay for snow days the prior year.
