Owner/Operators Prevail––

Bus Contract Awarded To Local Company

By Larissa Lytwyn

The awarding of the 2003–2004 bus contract to MLM Transportation, consisting of local owner/operators Maria Adams, Lereine Frampton, and Michelle Voight, offered many residents a bright spot during the a Board of Education meeting otherwise clouded by continued concern over changing school schedules July 1.

“We were in a little bit of shock, a little bit of tears,” said Ms Frampton. “It was very emotional,” added Ms Voight, smiling a little at the memory. MLM Transportation was one of five proposing companies, including Laidlaw, First Student, and Dattco. Most owner/operators are town residents with children in the education system. Many residents feel that the presence of the owner/operators adds a personal touch to the schools’ transportation system.

In the contract analysis by Director of Finance Ronald Bienkowski, MLM Transportation appeared to be the second most expensive option, next to Dattco. However, said Ms Frampton, First Student, the least expensive bidder, chose not to include an of-of-district estimate in their proposal. With out-of-district costs, she said, the amount would have been higher. “We are actually the second lowest option,” she said, “when you consider out-of-district costs.”

MLM Transportation plans to use five of the eight buses retiring owner/operator Art Bennett drove, as well as purchasing additional buses for a total of ten vehicles, some of which will be used as spares. “We already have several drivers interested in working for us,” said Ms Voight, “including four drivers who worked for Mr Bennett.” About two-thirds of the time,  she explained, the owner/operator has to drive the bus. Alternative full-time drivers and part-time substitutes are used the remainder of the time.

While Ms Voight and Ms Adams have been owner/operators for a few years, Ms Frampton just recently acquired her owner/operator status. Drivers interested in becoming owner/operators, she explained, put their names on a list that is later reviewed when a contract becomes available.

Mr Bennett chose not to publicize his retirement until early June. Ms Voight and Ms Adams volunteered Ms Frampton’s name during a subsequent meeting among owner/operators trying to organize proposals for the new contract. “We only had two weeks to prepare,” said Ms Adams. “There were a lot of late nights!” laughed Ms Voight. Ms Frampton said her daughter, Sarah, a substitute driver, was a big help in conducting the research necessary to fill out the complex proposal forms.

“We also had to come up with an approximately $103,000 bid bond,” said Ms Voight. Money was collected among various family members, many of who are also drivers or owner/operators. “We would just like to thank the Board of Education, and our families, for all their support,” said Ms Voight.

“The school system has a mission statement, striving for excellence in education,” added Ms Frampton. “We like to say that we provide excellence in transportation!”