[Press Release] : Federal funds boost bus fleet

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Paula Hertwig-Hopkins, Assistant City Manager - (573)
874-7214

Federal funds boost bus fleet

COLUMBIA, MO (December 15, 2009) - City officials have learned that the
federal FY 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act includes $1 million to
replace aging city buses, as targeted by Missouri Senator Kit Bond. The
bill, awaiting President Obama’s signature, finances activities for
several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of
Transportation, through Sept. 30, 2010.

Mayor Darwin Hindman said that he was excited with the news. “Senator
Bond has consistently shown his interest in helping us turn more people
on to mass transit. It’s a high priority in this community. If we can
get more people to use buses, or make those buses cleaner and more
efficient, it’s a plus for everyone.”

According to City Manager Bill Watkins, the city’s federal priority
list consistently includes funding for new buses. “We brought this to
the attention of Senator Bond and the rest of our delegation last
January, and the result is welcome,” Watkins said.

Columbia buses vary in length and purpose to meet riders’ needs.
Watkins said that the $1 million grant will likely be used to replace a
mix of 3 - 5 vehicles on existing bus routes. “The city needs some
buses that are 35-feet long, some that are 40 feet in length and some
para-transit vehicles equipped to transport disabled persons.”

Watkins said that the city needs to replace about 15 buses altogether.
“Each time we replace a vehicle, we purchase one that is modern and
more energy efficient. This helps lower the city’s fuel, maintenance
and repair costs.”

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