Over the past couple of years, Island Transit has accumulated almost 30 surplus buses. Instead of making a few bucks and selling them at the government auction, Island Transit chose a different course: Local nonprofit groups can apply to receive one of the various vehicles that the transit system isn’t using anymore.

“Rather than taking the vehicles to federal and state auctions, we’re offering them to the community,” said Martha Rose, executive director of Island Transit.

Island Transit has 27 surplus vehicles that are available for local nonprofit and government groups. The vehicles range from vans to 30-passenger buses.

One possible bidder is excited about the prospect. “We would use a van for going on vocational field trips,” said Deb Campbell, director for the Literacy for Life Program in Oak Harbor. “It would really augment our program.”

She added that the surplus bus program would help solve transportation issues they often have. She had inquired about the program about a year ago and had forgotten about it since, but now she might be in the bidding.

The surplus buses have high miles and it is more economical for Island Transit to get rid of the buses rather than keep maintaining them, according to Rose. Transit buses put more than 400 miles each day they’re on the road.

“They all have high mileage but they are beautifully maintained,” Rose said. She added that the maintenance records will be provided.

All buses that are awarded have no warranty and are awarded “as is.”

To be eligible to receive a vehicle, an organization has to enjoy non-profit status and use the buses within Island Transit boundaries. The vehicles have to be used for transportation-related purposes or for emergency preparedness.

Groups applying have to prove they are capable of driving, insuring and maintaining the buses. For the larger buses, drivers need a commercial driver’s licence.

Rose stressed that groups have to keep a log showing how the bus is used. If the vehicles aren’t used for their intended purpose, they would be repossessed and given to a different organization, Rose said.

Interested groups can attend a work shop at the Race Road Fire Hall to pick up an application.

People can inspect the surplus buses during the first half of May. They have to make an appointment.

Applications will be due May 15 and the buses will be awarded during the first week of June.

For more information, call Sandra Kuykendall at 678-7771.

Learn all about it

A workshop explaining Island Transit’s surplus bus program will be held Wednesday, April 30 at the Race Road Fire Hall from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. All interested non-profit groups are welcome. Call 678-7

You can reach News-Times reporter Nathan Whalen at nwhalen@whidbeynews

times.com or 675-6611.