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District staff recommends leasing four buses after cost and maintenance review
Summary
Staff told the Facility Finance Subcommittee that leasing four 76‑passenger buses would cost about $212,954 annually and could save money over buying used buses, which the presentation priced between $142,900 and $240,000 each. Staff will return with lease-mileage details at the February meeting.
District transportation staff presented a cost comparison on Jan. 20 and recommended leasing four 76‑passenger buses rather than purchasing used vehicles.
“So right here, we have basically, an option of leasing 4 buses for 76 passengers,” the presenter said, and later summarized the recommendation: “Basically, recommendation of the district would be leasing versus purchasing. We will save a lot of money going on that route.” The presentation listed an annual lease figure of about $212,954 for the four vehicles and used-bus price ranges from roughly $142,900 to $240,000 each. Staff also said expected maintenance costs are lower under lease arrangements (the presenter cited maintenance ranges of about $20,000–$28,000 for leased buses versus $55,000–$74,000 for used buses, depending on condition).
Board members pressed for details about mileage-overage fees and warranty coverage. Staff said typical district routes average 15,000–20,000 miles and that the lease on the table is five years with an initial bumper-to-bumper period discussed in the presentation. Aboard member asked for specific overage charges and other fine-print contract terms; staff said they will obtain those items and bring a fuller recommendation to the February board meeting.
No formal motion or vote was recorded during the subcommittee meeting; staff characterized the session as a direction to return with additional cost and contract details.
