HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-03-14-TAC-min.pdf T.A.C. Meeting , March 14 , 1990
Present: Bill Mix, Sara Arnold, Lance Neumann, Sally Castleman,
Don Graham, Eugene Lee , Bill Murphy, Pauline Burke,
Deborah Radway, Jim McLaughlin
I . Meeting with three of four bidders .
We asked all of them the same questions, from our prepared sheet .
1 . Share-A-Ride
Alex MacArthur, President
Elaine Dratch, Executive Director
Steven Skiffington, Operations Manager
Leasing vehicles
Maintenance in Arlington
Oil changes every 2500 miles
Aggressive maintenance--meet and surpass our specs.
Computer tracked maintenance
2 week training for drivers--defensive driving,
sensitivity training , courtesy, first aid
2 . A-Connoisseur
Eric Gibbs, Vice President
Michael Walden, Metrotrans President (GA)
Debbie ?? and Spike Michaud, Michaud Bus Lines
Purchase vehicles, all new
Has diesel fuel and mechanic on location
"Trip-tracker" mileage system
Garage in Winchester
2 floating managers for all operations
20 hours driver training--etiquette, safety, dealing
with children, first aid
Steel vehicle for safety
Promotional ideas and contribution
3. ElDorado
Dick Zimmerman, General Manager
Harry Franssen, President , Commonwealth Thomas Bus
Purchase vehicles
Maintenance in Burlington and Peterboro, N.H.
Oil change 4-5 ,000 miles
Not have to pay overtime or time & 1/2 to drivers
CommThomas offered marketing funds
II . Our own discussion
SAR: Professional. Excellent references. Excellent driver
training. Service oriented. Experience close, but not the same
as fixed route . We do not know the Wayne vehicle. Good promise
for good service but some risk in changing contractors.
A-Conn: Inexperience--limo service not same as bus service.
Vehicle configuration (pass. door) no good. Can he really
deliver all he promises at his price?
T.A.C. Meeting , March 14 , 1990 Page 2
ElDorado: Have questions pertaining to driver training and long
hours . Has history of cutting corners until it hurts the
service. Concerns about time and effort required to monitor and
insure contract compliance. Older back-ups. But is a known
entity; has delivered; equipment is proven.
In summary, TAC liked vehicle of ElDorado , organization and
professionalism of SAR, and price and fresh marketing ideas of A-
Connoisseur. Committee on fence between SAR and ElDorado,
tending toward ElDorado because "if it' s not broke, don' t fix
it" . It was decided to present our analysis to Rick with leaning
toward ElDorado.
In meantime, will call more references particularly regarding
Eric Gibbs . Call Russ Thatcher about Wayne Midtowner. Check
with Norman to reconfirm no conflict of interest with Elaine
Dratch.
III . Board of Selectmen Presentation
On March 19 Sara will present info. on impact of reducing to 6
{ route system.