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Greenberg Town Board debates buying, leasing or renting bus to restore senior transportation
Summary
Board members and the commissioner discussed lead times, vehicle size and costs for a new hybrid or interim gas bus for seniors; times cited were roughly 16 months for a hybrid and 6–8 months for a gas bus, and the commissioner will return with leasing, used‑bus and rental options by mid‑September.
The Greenberg Town Board spent an extended portion of its Aug. 20 work session weighing how best to restore senior transportation service: buy a hybrid/electric vehicle that matches seniors’ comfort preferences or secure a shorter‑term gas or leased option so residents aren’t left without service.
Commission members and staff described tradeoffs. The commissioner said a 40‑passenger hybrid takes substantially longer to obtain (discussed as about 16 months) and was more expensive; a smaller gas bus (25–35 passengers) could be available in roughly 6–8 months, and rentals for single trips can exceed about $700 for a four‑hour period. "If you need a bus right away... a gas bus is going to be faster to get," the commissioner said.
Board members raised procurement and budget constraints: the capital budget adopted earlier specified funds for one bus and bonding procedures remain to be completed. Several members favored the environmental and comfort benefits of hybrid or electric vehicles; others emphasized seniors’ immediate needs and urged an interim solution such as leasing or a used, shorter‑term vehicle. One council member recommended researching lease options so the town would not burn capital on a vehicle they would later replace.
The board asked the commissioner to research and return with options — including leasing, used vehicles, rental‑cost comparisons and different size configurations — and to present the information for a decision in the third week of September. The discussion did not result in an immediate purchase decision; the board instructed staff to gather cost and availability details for the follow‑up meeting.
Next steps: commissioner to report back with a leasing/rental/used‑purchase analysis and trip frequency data so the board can weigh cost, lead time and service reliability before authorizing bonding or a purchase.
