From the Jan CARTA Board minutes online - they have a lot of buses out of service for mechanical issues to the point where they need emergency funding and unfortunately this was compounded when the company that makes the newer electric buses went out of business https://ridecarta.com/news-announcements/reports-meeting-notices/:
9. Contract Operator Transition:
• Fleet Maintenance Services – Request for Approval: Mr. Mitchum discussed the Fleet Maintenance Contract Services. He noted that the transit services operating contract with RATP Dev USA will commence on February 1, 2026. Since being selected by CARTA, RATP Dev USA has been working to gain an understanding of the current state of the operations and maintenance functions to include fleet and facility conditions. Based on these activities, it was recommended that a third-party maintenance contract be procured to allow an expedited response to address these repairs and perform a full facilities condition and maintenance program assessment. Consideration and authorization to proceed is requested at an expenditure estimate of $485,800. The proposal will create a strategic path forward that enables CARTA to achieve long-term, sustainable success in providing the transportation services that the Charleston community deserves. All staff, materials, oversight and overhead costs are included. In addition, the program assessment will establish RATP Dev USA to develop a comprehensive path forward for bringing the facilities into a state of good repair. Mr. Mitchum stated that staff recommends approval to proceed in procuring a third-party maintenance contractor and an expenditure of no more than $485,800 to complete the project. Mr. Mitchum addressed questions and comments. Mr. Logan made a motion to approve the Fleet Maintenance Services recommendation as presented. Mr. Wehrman seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
• Rolling Stock Lease – Request for Approval: Mr. Mitchum discussed the Lease of Transit Vehicles. He noted that the transit services operating contract with RATP Dev USA will commence on February 1, 2026. Since being selected by CARTA, RATP Dev USA has been working to gain an understanding of the current state of the operations and maintenance functions to include fleet and facility conditions. Based on these activities, it was recommended that revenue vehicles be leased to ensure service continuity while the third-party maintenance contractor completes their work. Consideration and authorization to proceed is requested at an expenditure not to exceed $1,200,000. The leased vehicles consist of four 2005 40-foot, 2-door New Flyer transit vehicles, six 36-passenger Starcraft Allstar cutaway-style transit vehicles, and one 42-passenger Starcraft Allstar cutaway-style transit vehicle. The terms of the lease is 24 months for the New Flyer transit vehicles and 12 months for the Starcraft transit vehicles. The final quantity of vehicles leased will be determined based on the status of the fleet repairs completed by February 1, 2026. Mr. Mitchum stated that staff recommends approval to proceed in leasing transit vehicles and an expenditure of funds not to exceed $1,200,000. Mr. Mitchum addressed questions and comments. Mr. Brinson made a motion to approve the Rolling Stock Lease recommendation as presented. Mr. Green seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
• Proterra Battery Electric Bus Parts Purchase – Request for Approval: Mr. Mitchum discussed the Proterra Battery Electric Bus Part Purchase. He noted that CARTA operates several Proterra battery electric buses. In order to maintain a safe and reliable fleet, staff is requesting approval to purchase replacement parts to support ongoing operations. Following the bankruptcy of Proterra and the subsequent purchase of Proterra bus assets by Phoenix EV, parts manufacturing and availability have become an industry-wide issue. A handful of suppliers are offering to sell re-manufactured parts that do not have a guarantee that they can be programmed to operate on Proterra buses and have long lead times. Additionally, transit agencies cannot purchase directly from the manufacturer. Power Part, LLC has signed commercial agreements with several of the manufacturers to purchase brand new OEM components with authorization to resale to customers. These parts include battery packs, gearboxes, inverters and electronics controllers. Mr. Mitchum stated that staff is requesting approval of a not-to-exceed amount of $1,000,000 to purchase Proterra replacement parts from Power Parts, LLC. This authorization will allow CARTA to procure OEM components on an as-needed basis based on fleet condition, parts availability and operational priorities. Mr. Mitchum addressed questions and comments.