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Originally Posted by AlSmithee
Here’s a deal to consider.
The B”R”T has been paid for, and will be taken by Boulder County as a substitute for the B Line. As compensation for Boulder County not getting it, the county will no longer pay the 0.4% Fastracks tax.
Funny how RTD can’t figure out how to tap into the 60,000 people commuting into Boulder. Their buses aren’t going to the right places.
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I have no doubt that Boulder/County could design and run a better bus system than RTD.
You see a bus pulling up to bus stop, picking up passengers and moving onto the next stop.
But before any of that can happen you need 'certified' bus drivers. You need CDL level drivers with a passenger endorsement. They need to be old-fashioned totally drug-free. Drivers need benefits but starting out this isn't so bad. Figure 20% (rising to 25-30% over time) of the pay package going for benefits. Also how many 'backup' drivers do you want to step in for those who don't show up?
Then you need a facility to clean, maintain and repair the buses which means you also need an inventory of parts. It is a sizable upfront investment. Do you want one facility or maybe a couple?
Don't forget the large insurance package including a whole lot of liability insurance. Don't forget to add in administrative and legal costs, bonus and incentive costs.
Given Boulder's topography and weather you'll want some good e-buses. Proterra recently released their next-gen ZX5 model which replaces the wildly popular and successful Catalyst model. Base cost of ~$750,000 but add in custom features (meaning basic preferences) and you'll approach maybe $1 million a copy? But now you can finance them. Whoopee! They will save a ton on traditional maintenance, repairs and parts though. But you will also need charging equipment. On your busiest or most grueling routes it might be best to build in a roadside quick-charging unit. Buses drive under the charger and in 10-15 minutes they're raring to go again.
Courtesy Edmonton, Alberta and Proterra
Note: Interesting article about Edmonton buying 20 more of the best e-buses on the market July of 2020.
If Boulder wants to take over the Flatiron Flyer routes and service I'll assume RTD would be willing to sell the buses at their amortized costs.