Columbia in Urgent Need of New DART Buses!
In the vibrant city of Columbia, there’s a pressing concern on the minds of many – the aging fleet of DART buses that local government relies on for transporting our most vulnerable citizens. Yes, you heard it right! The COMET board is in a frantic race against time to replace these aging vehicles before they completely run out of steam.
What’s the Big Deal?
As of now, the DART bus fleet is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Many of these buses have gone well beyond their “useful life”, and you can bet that COMET leaders are feeling the heat. During a recent December 11 board meeting, advisor Michael Green highlighted just how important these buses are, noting they’re essential for transporting disabled residents to crucial places like work, school, and medical appointments. Green said, “These serve the most vulnerable people in our society.” And let’s be real; we can’t let them down!
These DART vehicles are under scrutiny because they’ve exceeded their lifespan according to guidelines from the Federal Transit Administration. Do you know what that means? Well, if a bus has been on the roads for over seven years or has rolled more than 200,000 miles, it’s time to say goodbye! Sadly, all 22 of the DART shuttles have crossed that finish line. Some vehicles have hit double the mileage limit – yikes! They’re almost hitting the nine-year mark and this wear and tear is starting to take a toll.
The Ripple Effect
Right now, five of these DART buses are sidelined while waiting for maintenance. Fortunately, services haven’t been impacted too much yet, but the looming possibility of more buses breaking down creates a cause for concern. City Councilman and COMET board member Will Brennan voiced his worries, stating, “If more of the DART buses get shelved, there could be an impact. That’s what we want to avoid.”
Talk about pressure! Nobody wants the vulnerable members of our community to suffer because of outdated transportation.
The Fix in Motion
Here’s the silver lining: the COMET board is actively working to approve the purchase of seven shiny new vehicles! Each of these beautiful rides will cost approximately $137,000. It might sound hefty, but it’s a worthy investment in the wellbeing of Columbia’s residents. 🍀 According to COMET spokesperson Pamela Bynoe-Reed, these new buses could be in our hands within the next three to six months. And trust us; we can’t wait!
Interestingly, these older buses were all bought in bulk back in 2015. But here’s the lesson – putting all your eggs in one basket (or all your buses in one purchase) is a no-go in the transit world, as Brennan pointed out. It’s clear that planning is essential for sustainable service!
A Bright Future Ahead
Despite the current hurdles, the city of Columbia is hopeful and eager to turn things around. By investing in these new buses, they’re not just upgrading the wheels that roll through our streets – they’re ensuring that those who need a ride the most won’t be left stranded. It’s a team effort to meet the needs of all citizens, especially those who depend on the DART service daily.
So, here’s to smoother rides and reliable service ahead for all the folks in Columbia who depend on DART. Let’s support this essential system and keep it running strong! 🌟
