PA Selling Commonwealth One BUS

[pabusnut]

State of PA Selling their bus.

http://www.wgal.com/slideshow/money/27370339/detail.html

The funny thing about this is that they got it for free, so when compared to other "heavy equipment" in their fleet, the costs per mile, are probably not too bad.  I rather doubt they actually spent $66K on it for maintenance and operation.  The graphics alone are probably $5-10K or more.  I sure hope that it is a vinyl wrap and not paint.  It would be a shame to have painted all that stainless steel!

Disclaimer:  I have no interest in this bus other than as a concerned taxpayer in the state of PA.

[Len Silva]

Some interesting comments with those pictures.

The bus has only been driven 25937 miles but has consumed 12,000 gallons of fuel.  Assuming 6 mpg, that allows for 4323 gallons on the road and 7677 gallons for generator and heat, which translates to roughly 10,000 hours on the generator.

Apparently, the reason it does not run now is because it needs a $6000.00 transmission control module.  I think most of us could probably do a little better than that.

I would love for the governor to keep talking about what a piece of junk it is, might make a very good deal for someone here.

[desi arnaz]

could part of that be payment for the driver?

[WEC4104]

Yes, I was thinking that the driver costs were in the $66K.  His pay, meals, and maybe even some hotel stays.   The state of PA would have these costs, even if the Gov was riding in a limo or SUV.

The 12,000 gallons of fuel just seems out of whack.  As Len pointed out, they should have been able to cover 26K miles in under 5,000 gallons.  Sure there is some generator run time, but geeez. My guess is a significant amount ended up in some state employee's Powerstroke pickup.

The irony in all this is, the state will probably sell the bus for more than $66K.  Given the fact that it was donated in the first place, the state will end up turning a profit.  All things considered, the state received 26,000 miles of transportation, fostered jobs for it's citizens in the form of maintenance and drivers, and netted a profit. ... and it is being pointed to as a poster child for government waste. 

[Oonrahnjay]

"the state will probably sell the bus for more than $66K."

    Do you think so?  "20-year-old bus, not driven much and not well maintained; interior not suitable for tour bus, 'entertainer' bus, or converted coach; unattractive exterior treatment; cannot be driven due to to expensive transmission problem (also, not available for test drive or inspection)  Make offer!"  It may be that it will go for more $66K but I'll be very surprised if it does.  But I guess we'll see.

    And in terms of use and cost of the bus, how many dollars have been spent on "state cars", airline tickets, personal travel expense, etc. taking state employees to meetings or conferences that could have been reduced by using the bus -- instead of letting it sit there and fall into disuse?  This whole thing is the usual political cant and BS.