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Staff recommends leasing four transit buses after repeated breakdowns; committee to place item on board agenda
Summary
After a breakdown on Sierra Highway and repeated fleet problems this year, staff recommended leasing four 2027 Thomas buses to cut operating costs; presenters showed a leasing option with multi-year savings and an end‑of‑term buyout option.
A district staff member (S2) told the committee the district experienced another bus breakdown on Sierra Highway on 04/16/2026 and said vehicle failures this year have disrupted routes and prompted parent complaints. “On 04/16/2026, we experienced another breakdown on Sierra Highway. Our bus broke down,” S2 said.
S2 presented a leasing proposal for up to four 2027 Thomas model CHPEI transit buses with seat belts, air conditioning and larger storage capacity. Presenter figures, as stated at the meeting, compared the current annual fleet maintenance/operating cost (presented as $463,703.39) to a leasing option presented as approximately $378,551.41 annually, with stated five‑year savings of $425,759.55 and annual savings of $85,151.55. S2 said the residual purchase option at the end of a five‑year term would be about $322,000 for the four buses (roughly $59,455.12 per bus, as presented).
Board members asked how many buses the district should replace; staff said four is ideal but included an option to scale to two. S2 also confirmed the lease would include a mileage cap consistent with existing contracts (20,000 miles per year). The committee signaled support for leasing: S3 said staff should prepare an addendum so the item can be added to the April 23 board meeting agenda for a short presentation and formal approval.
Next steps: staff to confirm vendor stock/lead times, complete CHP inspection details and prepare a concise presentation if the item is added as an addendum for board consideration.
