Carroll County Commissioners Discuss Transit Vehicles

From Carroll County Government: The Board of County Commissioners discussed options for satisfying the growing need for additional vehicles in the Carroll Transit System. Due to a delivery holdup of approved MTA vehicles and an aging fleet of vehicles, the Commissioners heard reports recently from the Carroll County Department of Public Works staff regarding an insufficient supply of vehicles and a potential disruption in transit services.

Although sixteen transit vehicles have been approved by the MTA, these vehicles are not expected for another nine months or so. This situation, combined with an existing transit fleet that is aging with many vehicles needing additional repairs, has resulted in a shortage of vehicles. Adding additional vehicles to the fleet will ensure that service is uninterrupted. Staff presented the board with the option to lease vehicles in the short term, until the backlog of vehicles is received, or to purchase several new vehicles that could be used indefinitely. Both options would require following procurement regulations and both have positive and negative considerations. Ultimately, rather than limiting their options, the Board of Commissioners voted to pursue both avenues. Staff will proceed with the procurement process for both leasing and buying vehicles and will return their cost findings to the Board of Commissioners for a decision in the near future.

Board President Richard Weaver said, “Our job is to choose a plan that is the most fiscally responsible while providing optimal transit services to our citizens. The information that we requested will allow us to review multiple options and lead us to the best alternative.”

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