Request for Statements of Interest
(2025-19) Services Related to St. Lawrence County Public Transit Bus Operations
St. Lawrence County is requesting statements of interest from qualified vendors to manage its Public Transit bus operations. The 24-month contract period is from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027, and may be extended for three (3) additional one (1) year terms.
St. Lawrence County’s Public Transit system currently consists of 15 bus routes, most of which operate during extended business hours from Mondays to Fridays. Three routes operate daily for 10 months each calendar year and provide service to and from SUNY Canton, SUNY Potsdam and Clarkson University.
The selected vendor will provide qualified driving, maintenance, dispatch, administrative and management staff who will be responsible for day to day bus operations which includes driving, servicing, maintaining and repairing the County’s fleet of 21 passenger buses. While Public Transit drivers expenses are paid at 100%, the dispatch, communication and supervisorial staff are reimbursed through a cost-sharing arrangement proposed by the operator. The selected contractor will also be expected to provide additional NYS DOT inspected and ADA-compliant buses to supplement the County’s fleet to drive the 15 routes that are in service. The contractor will also regularly update the public transit website and social media accounts to keep passengers, organizations and the general public informed of public transit operations.
Section 5311 Operating Assistance and 5311 Supportive Employment Service funds; State Transportation Operation Assistance; contract revenue; fare box revenue and advertising revenue pay for the County’s bus operation expenses, which is projected to total $3,097,024 in 2026. The amount for 2027 is projected to be 3% higher.
A copy of the request detailing the scope of work and statement submission requirements may be obtained by calling the St. Lawrence County Purchasing Office at: (315) 379-2207, or by emailing skerr@stlawco.gov.
Sealed Proposals are due no later than 3:00 pm local time on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Submissions may be mailed or hand delivered to: St. Lawrence County Purchasing Office, 48 Court Street, Canton, NY 13617. Electronic submissions will not be accepted.
Vendors are encouraged to submit proposals as soon as possible. Bidders will be fully responsible for the delivery of their bids in a timely matter. Reliance upon the US Postal Service or other carriers is at the bidder's risk. Late bids will not be considered.