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Canal Street Bus Wash Replacement
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DESCRIPTION: Replacement of the Canal Street bus wash |
AGENDA NO: Click or tap here to enter text. |
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ACTION REQUEST: ☒ Approval ☐ Review Comment ☐ Information Only ☐ Other |
RECOMMENDATION:
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To authorize the Chief Executive Officer to award a contract to Westmatic Corporation for the purchase of a replacement bus wash system at the Canal Street maintenance facility not to exceed cost of $528,367.
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ISSUE/BACKGROUND:
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The Canal Street maintenance facility has been the primary maintenance hub for fixed-route buses since Hurricane Katrina. It has accommodated up to 150 buses at a time over the years. Each night, our fleet undergoes servicing, which includes fueling the buses, emptying fare box vaults, cleaning the bus interiors, and sending the buses through an automated exterior cleaning wash. Over the years, our facilities maintenance team has been able to maintain and service this bus wash. However, in the past year, the bus wash has surpassed its useful life and is no longer able to service our buses effectively. Staff have received quotes from the manufacturer for repairs, but refurbishment costs are now exceeding the cost of purchasing a new bus wash.
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DISCUSSION:
With the bus wash currently out of service, our bus hosters (service and cleaning team) are washing buses by hand, servicing approximately 80 buses each night. Staffing levels in this area are designed to support operations when the bus wash is functional. Hand washing buses adds significant time to daily tasks.
Implementing a new bus wash will bring several advantages to our operations. First, it will increase efficiency by streamlining the cleaning process, allowing for more buses to be serviced in less time. This will free up valuable staff hours to focus more on the interior of the vehicles. Additionally, the consistent and automated cleaning process will ensure that our buses are thoroughly and uniformly cleaned, resulting in a higher-quality appearance for our fleet.
The improved exterior cleaning will not only enhance the visual appeal of our buses but will also contribute to a better experience for our passengers. A well-maintained and clean fleet reflects positively on our agency and helps build trust with our riders. Overall, a new bus wash will support the agency's commitment to providing reliable and efficient service to our community.
To acquire the new bus wash, our agency conducted a competitive solicitation through Invitation for Bid (IFB) 2024-008. The pricing received was deemed by staff to be fair and reasonable, ensuring that we secure the best value for our investment. This process ensures transparency and accountability in our procurement practices.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The funding for this project is made available through local account code 01-0000-00-1151 in the amount of $528,367.
NEXT STEPS:
Once approved staff will issue a notice to proceed to the vendor and we will begin the project.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Procurement summary
3. Routing Authorization
Prepared By: Ryan Moser
Title: Chief of Asset Management
Reviewed By: Gizelle Banks
Title: Chief Financial Officer
5/17/2024
Lona Edwards Hankins Date
Chief Executive Officer