New Bus Fleet Will Save Millions, Needs Environmental Approval

After a three year study, Barnstable school officials are in the beginning stages of evaluating a business plan that would bring school transportation “in house.” Ownership of its own fleet of school buses could potentially save the district millions of dollars.

Barnstable currently holds a busing contract with First Student Inc., however lack of competition amongst bus contractors on the Cape has resulted in high transportation costs.

According to Barnstable’s Assistant Treasurer Gareth Markwell and consultant Jim Flahive, the district could obtain a cost avoidance of more than $1.2 million over the next five years by bringing transportation in house.

What's more, the $1.9 million residual value of the school buses would bring the total financial impact to more than $3 million.

“We have reviewed everything down to a quart of oil,” explained Markwell.

Bringing school transportation in house would also “reflect a minimum of 50 percent savings over contractor pricing” when buses engage in “extra work,” such as field trips, athletics and late buses. Without the limitations set forth in a bus contract, school officials would also have more flexibility with bell schedules, student school assignments and re-districting.

For the first five years any major bus repairs would be sent to an approved vendor for warranty work. Smaller repairs and services could be handled at the district maintenance facility, which currently services 300 town vehicles.

However, the project needs environmental approval before anything can happen. At last night’s school committee meeting, officials awarded a groundwater study contract to CDM for that very purpose.

The contract awarded is not to exceed $35,000.

CDM will study the potential environmental impact of a future bus parking lot, located at Barnstable High’s lower athletic field. The parking lot would be in close to proximity to a freshwater pond.

Finding a suitable location to park the buses has been the biggest hurdle for school officials. A parking lot at the BHS campus would provide a locale central to Barnstable schools and reasonably close to fuel pumps. Storing the buses on school property is also the most economic option.

Contingent upon a favorable environmental study, new buses could be ordered as soon as December of 2011. Parking lot construction could begin by February 2012. Barnstable’s new fleet of 53 school buses could potentially be ready for action by July 2012.

School officials are confident that Barnstable can successfully run its own “bus business.” The district already owns 17 buses, and according to officials, is supported by experienced personnel and talented management.

“Do we know how to run this business if we get into this business? My sense is yes,” said Chairman Patrick Murphy.

In the meantime the freshmen soccer and lacrosse players who utilize the BHS lower athletic field need not worry about a place to play their respective sport. Their new athletic field will be located directly across the street behind the middle school.