Columbia Upgrades Aging DART Bus Fleet with New Purchases

Columbia on the Move: DART Bus Replacement in Full Swing!

What’s happening in the bustling city of Columbia? Well, the local transportation is facing a bit of a pickle, but there’s good news on the horizon! As of December 11, 2024, the city is addressing the urgent need to upgrade its aging fleet of DART buses that serve our community’s most vulnerable residents.

Old Buses Need to Go!

In a recent board meeting, COMET board members came to a stark realization—its Dial-A-Ride Transit Service, affectionately known as DART, is facing serious challenges. The fleet is getting on in years, with all 22 DART buses exceeding their recommended useful life. Yep, you heard that right! Most of these buses are nearly nine years old, and some have even hit over 400,000 miles on the odometer!

Those numbers definitely raise a few eyebrows. According to Michael Green, a COMET adviser, these buses are crucial for transporting disabled residents of Richland County to their daily destinations. Think about it—these buses take folks to work, school, grocery stores, and even to the doctor’s office. They aren’t just vehicles; they’re lifelines!

Maintenance Issues Piling Up

And here’s where it gets a bit worrisome. Pamela Bynoe-Reed, the COMET spokesperson, confirmed that five buses are currently out of service. As you can imagine, that puts a strain on the remaining vehicles. Plus, the more repairs they need, the more taxpayers will be left holding the bag! City Councilman and Comet board member Will Brennan expressed a sense of urgency, noting, “If more of the DART buses get shelved, there could be an impact. That’s what we want to avoid.” Who can disagree with that?

Time for a Fresh Start

Now, there is good news! The board is stepping up to the plate to approve the purchase of seven new DART buses. Yes, you heard it—seven shiny, new vehicles that promise to make life a little easier for those who rely on this essential service. Each new bus comes with a price tag of approximately $137,000, and they could arrive in just three to six months. How’s that for a timely response?

It’s interesting to note that the last time those buses were purchased in bulk was back in 2015. COMET’s board realized this wasn’t the best approach and is now changing gears to order in smaller quantities moving forward. Brennan again added that buying vehicles this way is “a big no-no” in the transit world, and they’re keen to avoid future issues like this. Smart thinking!

The Road Ahead

As Columbia gears up for these new wheels, the citizens can breathe a little easier knowing that efforts are being made to enhance transportation for some of the community’s most vulnerable individuals. Remember, public transportation isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B; it’s about providing access, safety, and dignity. Here’s hoping those new DART buses are rolling onto our streets in no time!

With all these developments, folks in Columbia are sure to keep their eyes peeled for the sleek new buses gliding across the city. After all, when it comes to making lives easier, every mile counts!