Decision Expected Soon on Tioga Bus Fleet

More than a dozen buses which had been used to provide transportation for Tioga County residents have been sitting in a parking lot since the system was shut down several weeks ago.

County officials aren't sure exactly what will happen to the buses or when a decision will be made.

The Ride Tioga transportation operation carried its last passengers at the end of November. The buses were operated under contract by First Transit.

Legislature chairwoman Martha Sauerbrey says the fate of the buses is being reviewed. The county is consulting with state officials for guidance on which buses will be sold. Some of the oldest vehicles may never be used again.

Sauerbrey says the state has a role in what's done with the buses because the state provided 90 percent of the funding for the vehicles. The remaining cost of the buses was picked up by the company which operated the fleet for the county.

At least one fire department has inquired about obtaining one of the buses for use at emergency scenes. It's not known whether that will be possible.