Chellie snags earmark for a new METRO bus

Click here for the Portland Daily Sun story. I'd also like to note that, as a member of the Rules Committee, Rep. Pingree was also instrumental in boosting transit funding in the House version of the stimulus package. Thanks, Chellie - keep up the good work!

This same article notes that, of METRO's 27-bus fleet, "10 buses were purchased in 1990 and require up to $10,000 per year in maintenance costs. Four more buses, bought in 2000, are also reaching the end of their expected lifespans."

That's right - we're riding on buses that will soon be eligible for Antique Auto license plates. Between the stimulus package and this earmark, we'll still only be able to replace five of those ten oldest buses. Sheesh.