By Max Bowen-max.bowen@northstarreporter.com
A longtime staple of high school sports and student events may soon make its big return.
State Rep. Adam Scanlon (D-North Attleborough) announced via his social media that he has allocated $50,000 to pay for a new Big Red Bus as part of the House budget.
“I’m very proud to say the Big Red Bus will be coming back to North Attleborough,” said Scanlon in his video.
The Big Red Bus program was run in North Attleborough for over 30 years, according to Parks and Recreation Director Steve Carvalho. The bus was part of that department and used by many others, even the former Board of Selectmen to tour the town.
“It was a special thing,” said Carvalho.
There were several Big Red Buses over the years, the last of which was a modified school bus, painted red, with Big Red written on it. The program ended around five years ago when the last Big Red Bus had to be retired due to wear and tear.
“We’re grateful for Adam for looking unto this and resurrecting something that is very special to our community,” said Carvalho.
A product of the North Attleborough Schools, Scanlon remembers the bus well from his days at Amvet Boulevard, the middle school, and North Attleborough High School. It was mostly used for games and student events, but he hopes to expand the bus’ route to include the seniors and veterans. As the town is in the process of renovating the Allen Avenue School into a new senior center, he said it would be a good addition. The bus would be free of charge.
“In our talks with Town Manager Michael Borg we would use it as a community-oriented project, transport seniors to functions, events, and appointments,” he said. “Ultimately, it’s a great asset for the school department and community agencies.”
The bus is one of several projects that Scanlon hopes to get funding for. Among them is $25,000 so the North Attleborough Fire Department can purchase new defibrillators.
