The Northwoods Transit Connections will be debuting three new buses after getting approval for a loan and substantial contributions from local groups. Oneida and Vilas Counties Transit Commission chairperson Erv Teichmiller says they were approved for a short-term loan from People's Bank in Rhinelander...
"....all of the buses we have are old, have high mileage. For the most part over the course of their lifetime, from five to ten years have sat outside so they've suffered from the elements. They've also cost us a lot of expense in terms of repairs, breakdowns...."
Teichmiller says the three new buses will allow the Commission to retire the most worn-down buses from the fleet....
"....last year we spent close to $72,000 in repairs on buses. That's a lot of money and it could be used much more wisely if we had newer buses in better condition. This year should be better...."
He says three groups contributed $15,000 each toward the bus purchases. He says the River Valley Bank in Minocqua, St. Matthias Thrift Shop and the Vilas County Commission on Aging had some trust fund transportation monies that were transferred over to the Commission.
Teichmiller says the buses should be on the road within a week.
