Buses in dire need of repair for YCAT

The trials and tribulations of the Yuma area's public transit system took another turn this week with the revelation that several buses in the YCAT fleet are badly in need of repairs.

They have broken bicycle racks, dirty oil, leaking fuel lines, worn belts, clogged air filters, cracked windshields — the list goes on and in some cases becomes safety issues. Several of the buses were purchased less than a year ago with federal stimulus funds; others have some years and miles on them.

The maintenance issues on the buses have been coming to light since a new operator took over the area's public transit system Sept. 1.

Checking over the buses and making sure they're in good shape is routine when a new operator comes in, explained Grant Hendrick, director of maintenance for First Transit, the new operator for YCAT (Yuma County Area Transit) and Dial-A-Ride.

During an emergency meeting Wednesday, Hendrick pointed out numerous maintenance issues to the executive board of the Yuma Metropolitan Planning Organization, the intergovernmental agency that oversees the public transit system.

He also recommended that the buses be inspected by a third party to help determine what repairs are needed, the cost and who should pay for them.

After seeing firsthand a litany of the maintenance issues, YMPO executive board member Greg Ferguson moved to approve the inspections at a cost of $12,000, which led to a heated debate among board members. The motion failed on a tie vote, with the no votes cast by city of Yuma representatives.

Mayor Al Krieger, who has three votes on the board, voted against the motion, saying he was concerned about the lack of an approved contract with First Transit. He also thought legal counsel should be sought before making a decision as there could be some legal issues regarding the previous operator's responsibility.

In addition, Krieger was critical about the apparent lack of YMPO staff oversight of the buses' maintenance.

Yuma Councilman Paul Johnson also voted no, saying he didn't understand why the city was at the table since the executive board last week had authorized a subcommittee to make decisions regarding YCAT.

After the meeting, Charlene FitzGerald, YMPO executive director, said she needed to review her procurement authority but thought she could authorize the inspections.

It's already clear that some of the repairs won't be covered by warranties because of the lack of maintenance, she said.

Hendrick said it is fortuitous that the number of buses needed on the road had been reduced.

The blue and red routes inside the city of Yuma were eliminated as of Sept. 1 because the Yuma City Council voted in August not to fund its share the transit system this year.

However, the other funding entities, including Yuma County, Cocopah Indian Tribe and the municipalities of Wellton, Somerton and San Luis, Ariz., are carrying on the transportation system for the sake of their residents.

While waiting for an outcome on the inspections, Hendrick said, First Transit “would continue to do its best to provide safe transportation. If we can't run a vehicle safely, we don't run it.”