Think of the children, won’t somebody please think of the children
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@aqua-letifer said in Think of the children, won’t somebody please think of the children:
Let's talk about transportation. Very few daycares offer transportation and busing and those that do charge separately. How much do you think those school buses cost to purchase and maintain?
Smaller bus, around $90,000. Larger bus around $115,000 and up, depending on options (engine size, storage). Some busses are for transporting students, other busses are for students, equipment, and whether the bus will be driven in the hills, or maybe spend time on the freeway or long trips. Bus drivers are not paid all that much, but the health care package is great. Our local district has a fleet of 190 busses, on a ten-year replacement schedule. And yes, they require maintenance so yeah, that's a heavy cost.
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@aqua-letifer said in Think of the children, won’t somebody please think of the children:
Let's talk about transportation. Very few daycares offer transportation and busing and those that do charge separately. How much do you think those school buses cost to purchase and maintain?
Smaller bus, around $90,000. Larger bus around $115,000 and up, depending on options (engine size, storage). Some busses are for transporting students, other busses are for students, equipment, and whether the bus will be driven in the hills, or maybe spend time on the freeway or long trips. Bus drivers are not paid all that much, but the health care package is great. Our local district has a fleet of 190 busses, on a ten-year replacement schedule. And yes, they require maintenance so yeah, that's a heavy cost.
@rainman said in Think of the children, won’t somebody please think of the children:
@aqua-letifer said in Think of the children, won’t somebody please think of the children:
Let's talk about transportation. Very few daycares offer transportation and busing and those that do charge separately. How much do you think those school buses cost to purchase and maintain?
Smaller bus, around $90,000. Larger bus around $115,000 and up, depending on options (engine size, storage). Some busses are for transporting students, other busses are for students, equipment, and whether the bus will be driven in the hills, or maybe spend time on the freeway or long trips. Bus drivers are not paid all that much, but the health care package is great. Our local district has a fleet of 190 busses, on a ten-year replacement schedule. And yes, they require maintenance so yeah, that's a heavy cost.
Good to see you.
Two questions...
- How you are?
- The district here, has been purchasing used buses as they come off lease and then running them for several years. Is this actually cheaper? Or does maintenance on the back end eat up any savings over buying new?
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Thanks, Jolly. I'm doing somewhat OK. Last June 2nd, I had a heart attack and a stroke, all in one day. Lost too much peripheral vision, so no driving of anything, car or motorcycle. My son takes me to appointments and is doing most everything for me. My wife, after 43 years of marriage, filed for divorce and moved in with her boyfriend, blindsiding me as I thought we had a near-perfect marriage. Docs do say the heart attack and stroke were likely due to the stress I was going through. I've been lurking around here, just not much enthusiasm to participate.
As to buying used as opposed to new busses, it depends on the state. In Oregon, 70% of all transportation costs are directly paid to the district by the State. So, it makes purchase of the busses, land for parking, garage, everything, worth buying or leasing. I know it's a hassle to get rid of the used busses, but yes, some small districts end up buying them. I would guess it does save money for the smaller districts, the school board should be doing a deep dive into the numbers. Also worth considering contracting out the bus services to Laidlaw or other busing companies. But, there is a sense of pride having the district's name on the side of the busses.
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Rainman! I can find no words adequate to commiserate with all this awful shit that has fallen on your head. I am so terribly sorry. Best of good fortune to you in improving your health and your life. I hope you know you can come in here and talk about your stuff or anything else you like, and your presence will be welcome.
Peace.
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Well crap. I’m sorry to hear all of this. Glad you are back online though.
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Rainman, I'm so sorry to hear about all this - and as others have said, glad to see you back here.
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I know your doc and you are talking about your vision, but here's a FAQ about vision loss following stroke: https://www.flintrehab.com/regaining-eyesight-after-stroke/
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Holy crap, man.
Really glad to hear from you. -
Thanks, Jolly. I'm doing somewhat OK. Last June 2nd, I had a heart attack and a stroke, all in one day. Lost too much peripheral vision, so no driving of anything, car or motorcycle. My son takes me to appointments and is doing most everything for me. My wife, after 43 years of marriage, filed for divorce and moved in with her boyfriend, blindsiding me as I thought we had a near-perfect marriage. Docs do say the heart attack and stroke were likely due to the stress I was going through. I've been lurking around here, just not much enthusiasm to participate.
As to buying used as opposed to new busses, it depends on the state. In Oregon, 70% of all transportation costs are directly paid to the district by the State. So, it makes purchase of the busses, land for parking, garage, everything, worth buying or leasing. I know it's a hassle to get rid of the used busses, but yes, some small districts end up buying them. I would guess it does save money for the smaller districts, the school board should be doing a deep dive into the numbers. Also worth considering contracting out the bus services to Laidlaw or other busing companies. But, there is a sense of pride having the district's name on the side of the busses.
@rainman said in Think of the children, won’t somebody please think of the children:
Thanks, Jolly. I'm doing somewhat OK. Last June 2nd, I had a heart attack and a stroke, all in one day. Lost too much peripheral vision, so no driving of anything, car or motorcycle. My son takes me to appointments and is doing most everything for me. My wife, after 43 years of marriage, filed for divorce and moved in with her boyfriend, blindsiding me as I thought we had a near-perfect marriage. Docs do say the heart attack and stroke were likely due to the stress I was going through. I've been lurking around here, just not much enthusiasm to participate.
As to buying used as opposed to new busses, it depends on the state. In Oregon, 70% of all transportation costs are directly paid to the district by the State. So, it makes purchase of the busses, land for parking, garage, everything, worth buying or leasing. I know it's a hassle to get rid of the used busses, but yes, some small districts end up buying them. I would guess it does save money for the smaller districts, the school board should be doing a deep dive into the numbers. Also worth considering contracting out the bus services to Laidlaw or other busing companies. But, there is a sense of pride having the district's name on the side of the busses.
Ohhhh..... I had no idea. I'm so sorry, Rainman. You are now in our prayers here at my house. I am so, so saddened at this news.
