Transit director: bus costs have nearly doubled; Reno County awarded one bus in latest grant

Barbara Lilyhorn, director of the Department of Aging and Public Transportation, told the board the county currently has six bus orders in the system but is seeing supply-chain delays that began during COVID and have left manufacturers backlogged.

Lilyhorn said the county had requested three buses in its most recent application but was awarded one. She told commissioners base projections in her November grant application were about $130,000 per bus but when fully equipped the cost is now about $153,520 per unit.

"By the time you add in all of the... things that we feel are necessary to finish the bus, that cost comes up to a $153,520 for 1 unit," Lilyhorn said. She also said KDOT adjusted cost shares on some awards (noting a 90/10 partnership on one award) that should help counties meet match requirements.

Lilyhorn explained the county encumbers funds when grants are awarded and that KDOT maintains a repair fund that can help cover major repairs; she cited recent instances in which KDOT helped with a transmission and an engine problem. She warned the board that manufacturing backlogs mean award and delivery timing remain uncertain.

Commissioners thanked Lilyhorn for the update; staff will continue to monitor KDOT schedules and report back as orders progress.