Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

On-demand system in Peoria County that has seen ridership grow over the last 15 months expects to be in the red by March or April 2013. MV Transportation, which operates the service, may renegotiate its contract.

University also launches car sharing partnership with Zipcar.

Over the next three years Veolia will be implementing additional programs that will focus on both safety and customer service.

Internal thefts in the Parking and Transit Department, the lack of a director and the growth of outsourcing at many universities due to efficiency are driving the proposed plan to transfer control to the Lafayette Consolidated Government Transit System.

The contract, which went into effect on July 1, 2012, is for one year with four one-year options.

Looking for a more cost-effective alternative to replacing its aging fleet. The agreement, if approved, includes the cost of buying five new buses, as well as the cost for drivers, fuel and maintenance.

To cope with increasing fuel costs and rides being provided outside the mandated area, the Midland-Odessa Urban Transit District is considering outsourcing part of its paratransit service. GM says increasing fares on a group that typically is on a fixed income wouldn't make up much difference in incurred costs.

Board members voted unanimously on the issue. A recent analysis found that the agency could save $71 million by 2020 by outsourcing all of its service. The decision will affect about 810 union workers and may jeopardize federal grants.

In order to partially alleviate NCTD's financial situation, staff is recommending the board consider the complete outsourcing of bus operations and maintenance as a significant cost savings measure.