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Board approves TransFinder routing software, discusses bus replacements and contracting costs
Summary
The board approved switching routing software from Versatrans to TransFinder, noted two new buses are arriving and that replacing/contracting transportation has sizable cost implications (new buses ~$155,000 each; contracting estimated ~32% more annually).
The GFW School District board approved a move to TransFinder routing software to manage bus and van routes, citing improved usability, cost efficiencies and a GPS feature that will allow staff to monitor on-time performance.
"We are gonna, switch from Versatrans to TransFinder for our routing software information," the Superintendent said when introducing the recommendation; staff noted TransFinder implementation requires inputting addresses and route data and that it typically takes a few months to complete.
Operational details discussed during the meeting: two new buses have been delivered to the district fleet and the two oldest buses (some more than 20 years old) will be posted for sale. Staff gave a unit cost example for new buses of about $155,000 each. The superintendent also said district-operated transportation is less expensive than contracting out; staff estimated contracting for transportation would cost about 32% more per year than maintaining a district-run fleet.
The board voted to approve the TransFinder agreement and authorized rebidding the district's fuel contract; staff said the GPS and monitoring features will let the district check whether buses are on time and help route efficiency.
Next steps: staff will begin the TransFinder implementation and route-data entry, and post surplus buses for sale as planned.
