By Ron Brown
 
October 27, 2008
 
WHITE CITY, Ore. -- One of the biggest expenses for most school districts is transportation, including fuel and equipment costs.
 
Some districts contract with companies like First Student, while others maintain their own bus fleets. Central Point has one of the oldest fleets in Southern Oregon. They have 45 buses, many of which are over 20 years-old.
 
"We've applied for a 'clean diesel' grant. If we get the grant, we'll be able to replace 19 buses over a period of a year-and-a-half," says Central Point Transportation Supervisor Lindsay Heard.
 
The Eagle Point District has 43 buses, with some imported buses built as early as 1985.
 
"The average life expectancy of a school bus is 10 to 15 years, or 200,000 miles. Once you go over that, you start incurring more costs. One of the main reasons is availiblity of parts," says Eagle Point Lead Mechanic Mark Wyatt.
 
Buses cost between $80,000 to $100,000 each. Most districts use diesel buses to reduce operation costs. While diesel buses may be more expensive, most districts prefer diesels for their long life and durability.
 
The Grants Pass district says their fleet is 10 years or newer. Klamath County district's oldest bus is 30 years old, but they have ordered 22 new buses for next year.