North Bend School District

APR 01, 2021

The North Bend is proud to announce that Mid-Columbia Bus Company, Inc. has been awarded a three-year contract and will continue as the bus service contractor for the North Bend School District. Services include home to school transportation, individualized transportation, high school shuttles, and activity and field trips. Mid-Columbia was selected based on a number of criteria including the quality of service and performance record, ability to meet the District’s performance goals, fees/total cost, ability to retain qualified employees, safety program, fleet plan including a replacement plan for equipment and quality of maintenance program, and the company’s commitment to and documentation for environmental sustainability.

Two companies submitted bids to the RFP and both were rated by a team using multiple criteria. Mid-Columbia scored the highest in cost and fee rates and financial strength and for their ability to meet the safety needs of the District. Both submissions were comprehensive and competitive and the District wants to thank all of our state transportation providers for their interest.

“We are excited to continue our relationship with North Bend. We look forward to serving the community and showcasing North Bend as a gem in school transportation” said Brian Shuldberg, Regional Vice President for Mid-Columbia. Transportation Coordinator.

Mid-Columbia is currently piloting new routing software and GPS systems in its current fleet. The District is excited to retain our dedicated bus drivers and management staff as we enter into a new agreement. The company will be ordering eight new buses for the 2021/22 school year and is launching new routing software to analyze home-to-school and individual bus routes for next school year. In addition, Mid-Columbia has purchased a new/used 55-passenger motor coach for use by our athletic and activities teams. We will be working with our high school students and athletic department to design a custom wrap design for that vehicle.

Kevin Bogatin, North Bend Superintendent stated, “We are excited to continue our successful history with Mid-Columbia. For the past fifteen years the District and Mid-Columbia have worked cooperatively to serve the transportation needs of North Bend. We are excited about some of the technology upgrades that will provide additional safety information to our families and to the district.”