Oswego Introduces Pink Public Works Truck To Its Fleet

OSWEGO, ILLINOIS – The village of Oswego Public Works Department has added a new vehicle to its fleet. Since its recent introduction, the truck’s pink paint job has stirred a buzz on social media.

Jennifer Hughes, public works director for the village, said that bringing on line a new vehicle makes sense.

The village typically replaces its vehicles every 15 to 20 years.

“This particular truck was replacing one first purchased in 2004,” Hughes said. “That makes the truck its replacing 15 years old. These trucks are used in harsh conditions.”

The public works trucks are utilized year-round to tend to snow removal, de-icing, water main breaks, and brush and leave pickup.

“Getting 15 years out of a truck, like this, is good,” Hughes said.

Hughes said the new truck will not only be used for plowing, but also for special events in the community.

The village purchased the vehicle at a cost of about $150,000.

“We wanted to do was create a way to spark conversation with the community,” Hughes said. “Police and fire are out in public and interact with the community on many levels. We wanted to do something that was a little eye-catching that would start conversation.”

The custom paint job comes at no added cost to taxpayers, according to a village of Oswego Facebook post.

Hughes noted that several other organizations around the country already have pink trucks.

“We thought it would work well in our community,” she said.

Hughes said people are excited to take in the sight of the new truck.

“We have a quite a few trucks, so it is the color that’s the key part of it,” she said. “Our trucks normally are dark blue. It stands out in strong contrast to it. This is something you just don’t see. Trucks are on the road, obviously. Big commercial trucks are usually more bland in color, but this one stands out.”