West Deptford Committee Ditches Public Works Truck, Adds Senior Bus

The senior bus will ride again.

approved the first reading of an ordinance that amends the township’s capital improvement plan, eliminating a Public Works truck and adding a new bus.

The old bus was wrecked after an engine fire earlier this year, and its replacement had been pushed back thanks to delays in the insurance settlement.

And though a loaner from the county had been in place as a stopgap measure, this is a permanent solution, Deputy Mayor Len Daws said–and one that actually comes in under the cost of the originally-planned truck.

“The net difference is, we’re actually saving money,” he said.

The move should cut about $16,000 from the township’s budget this year, Daws said.

Second reading and final approval of the ordinance should come at the township’s year-end closeout meeting at the end of the month.

Jean McCloskey, president of the township’s senior citizens’ club, applauded the move.

“I know [the seniors] really wanted a bus,” she said. “I just wanted to thank you very much.”