HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - April 7, 1999 E-18yOF1
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
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AGENDA TITLE: Approve Specifications and Advertisement for Bids for Five 35 -Foot Compressed
Natural Gas (CNG) Buses
MEETING DATE: April 7, 1999
PREPARED BY: Public Works Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That the City Council approve the specifications for the above project and
authorize advertising for bids.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The five low -floor, CNG buses requested will replace five diesel buses
in the Transit fleet. Two 35 -foot diesel buses that are used on the
GrapeLine (vehicles 10-040 and 10-041), and three smaller diesel
buses used for Dial -A -Ride (10-027, 10-028, and 10-042) will be sold
at auction. We have had the 35 -foot diesel buses in GrapeLine service over one and a half years, and,
with the anticipated continued increase in ridership, feel the larger buses will be more accommodating
than the smaller 28 -foot Ford cutaways.
The new, low -floor CNG buses will accommodate 30 seated and 15 standing passengers and will have
quickly deployed ramps rather than steps at the front entry/exit. Wheelchair passengers will be able to
board the buses more quickly, and parents traveling with strollers and infants will board and leave more
safely and conveniently. There are steps at the back of the bus for the more able bodied. The bid will
be for three buses with an option for two more. (Funds have only been secured for three buses.) The
Fleet Committee has reviewed the specifications.
There are plans to purchase one more CNG bus, but we are considering the purchase of a trolley for
Downtown and specialty use rather than a bus. Once the necessary funding is secured, we will come
back to the Council on that item.
Specifications are on file in the Public Works Department,
FUNDING: Project Estimate: $1,800,000 (5 dedicated CNG buses @ $360,000/each)
Budgeted: 1998/99 fiscal year
FTA (CMAQ) $1,475,478
Air District 276,000
TDA 48.522
$1,800,000
Planned Bid Opening Date: June 2, 1999
A request for appropriation of funds will be made at contract aw
ichard C. Prima, Jr.
Public Works Director
Prepared by Carlos Tobar, Transportation Manager
RCP/CT/lm
cc: Purchasing Officer
APPROVED: `
H. Dixon Flynn -- City Mana er
Cs&a.doc 03/31/99