RTS currently has two 28ft Light Transit Vehicles in the fleet that were utilized for Rowan Express. The Rowan Express was eliminated on July 1, 2021. Due to their size, these vehicles are not effective for the paratransit door-to-door service we provide and require the driver to hold a CDL. These vehicles lack multiple wheelchair positions and therefore cannot be utilized for routes on a daily basis. Additionally, these vehicles are still part of the fleet and RTS is required to perform DOT annual inspections, follow the routine maintenance schedule and maintain insurance, even though they are not in service.
With the current chip shortage, transit systems across NC are struggling to obtain vehicles and another system could benefit from them. NCDOT/FTA will assist RTS in the transfer of the vehicles to another qualified system - no funds would be exchanged.
Approve RTS to voluntarily reduce fleet size to 26 vehicles by removing the 28ft buses from inventory.
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