check and upgrade of the lighting system to LEDs. Technicians will also install security cameras, seat belts, new driver seats, and child reminder alarms as well as repair seat backs and bottoms, seal the floor mat and side wall, and replace seat anchor hardware. Overall, McCabe said a full school bus


refurbishment should cost 50 percent or less of a new vehicle replacement. “We try to keep it closer to one-third, but it depends on the vehicles,” he added. A typical refurb takes about three to


four weeks to complete but can last up to three months, depending on the services required. McCabe said MMA can offer districts loaner buses in the meantime. All public school districts statewide are eligible, with superintendents responsi- ble for applying directly for a Field Joint Visual Inspection of up to five buses at a time. Tis 14-point inspection includes everything from the engine and transmis- sion to cooling system and exhaust, lights and signals to wheels and tires, service and


parking brake to batteries and charging systems. MMA then reviews the optional upgrades. Applications are made available each November and remain open until funds for the fiscal year run out. McCabe said the Department of Educa- tion is copied on all submitted applications and, if a school district is selected, works with MMA to oversee the program and ensures school districts receive their state subsidy as they would for a new purchase. Tough he said MMA has received


“a fair amount of push back” from local school bus dealers concerned about an im- pact on new vehicle sales, McCabe pointed out that refurbishing should constitute only one part of a school district’s overall fleet management program. “(School districts) should have plans to


replace buses but also stretch out dollars to overhaul as well. Tat was the premise,” he said. He added that the program is also intended to only supplement local school


district repair services and not render them obsolete. In addition, McCabe said he is tran- sitioning to Loring Industries, which will manage business development and customer service so MMA can focus on the work. Te state legislature formed the Loring Development Authority to create new jobs and economic activity. It operates out of the former Loring Air Force Base in northeast Maine near Limestone and Caribou. Loring served from 1947 to 1992 as one of the largest bases of the U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command. It was then transferred to Air Combat Command before being retired in 1994. ●


Same City, New Location July 8-12, 2017


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