Large buses cost-effective

People are always complaining about mass-transit bus system efficiency. The buses run most of the time half-empty. One of the first suggestions is that the system should be using smaller buses. However, buses are sized for loading during peak travel times, hauling people to and from work. Driving smaller buses during non-peak times means that extra capital would be wasted for those additional smaller buses.

Secondly, the smaller buses have less-efficient engines and require much more maintenance than the larger buses, particularly with the brake replacement costs. The smaller buses simply are not designed for the heavy wear and tear of continuous everyday use, like the big transit coaches.

Finally, there are huge savings in maintenance replacement part costs when all of the buses are of the same model and make. Medium and large transit systems have found that operating the large coaches is the most cost-effective way of providing public transportation regardless of the opinion of the noninformed public. The Spokane Transit Authority is a large transit system and its board should be given the benefit of knowing what the system needs.

George Clark

Deer Park