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Bladensburg weighs taking over senior bus as costs, grant limits push change
Summary
After staff reported Bladensburg accounts for roughly 95% of ridership on the former Port Towns bus, council directed staff to draft a plan to assume operations, citing a $60,000 annual cost to the town, grant fine print that may require larger CDL vehicles, and options to contract private providers or offer ride vouchers.
Bladensburg officials on July 13 discussed moving operations of the Port Towns senior shuttle fully under town control after staff said the service is used almost entirely by Bladensburg residents.
Town Administrator Wood told the council the bus has been part of a multi‑town pilot but that participation has dropped and the town handles scheduling and housing for the vehicle. "We're analyzing the last year or so of ridership, and it's about 95% Bladensburg usage," Wood said. He estimated the town could save the 10% administrative fee currently paid to Comar Manor if the town assumed direct oversight of the vehicle and the two part‑time drivers.
Council members pressed on costs and logistics. Council member Blunt asked what the roughly $60,000 covers; Wood replied it pays per‑rider subsidies, driver pay, maintenance, gas and a prorated share of insurance. He said Comer Manor currently pays the drivers and collects rider fees as part of its administration; those arrangements would change if the town employed drivers directly.
Council and staff flagged two practical constraints that could affect replacement plans: a federal/state grant the town received for an electric bus (MEA) covers 75% of the incremental EV cost but appears to apply to larger vehicles that require commercial driver's licenses. "The grant would pay 75% of the difference," Wood explained, "but the town would still be on the hook for roughly $125,000 in the example we discussed, and our current drivers do not have CDLs."
Council favored several near‑term steps instead of an immediate purchase: drafting a formal transition plan with Comer Manor, exploring contracting local transportation firms for flexible, smaller vehicles, and considering targeted ride vouchers for seniors. "One option is contracting transportation companies so we are not dealing with vehicle maintenance and payroll expenses," the mayor said.
Council directed Administrator Wood to work with Council member Blunt to draft the process for a formal transfer and a recommendation for funding and staffing. Wood said any final action would need formal council approval at a properly noticed meeting.
