Eighty-four percent and 85%. These are the percentages of respondents to SBF’s 2013 School District Survey and SBF’s 2014 Contractor Survey, respectively, who reported having some degree of school bus driver shortage at their operation.
July 11, 2014
Companies that manufacture rearview mirrors and other products equipped with mirrors are aware of a school bus driver’s need to clearly see multiple areas when transporting students. Today’s offerings feature technology and are designed to improve the driver’s view inside the bus, around the back of the bus, and the driver’s view of the danger zone.
July 7, 2014
Manufacturers are meeting the demand for clean-burning, money-saving yellow buses by offering more powered by propane autogas and compressed natural gas, as well as all-electric units. Here’s a look at some of the school buses in development, on the market and in service at operations.
May 22, 2014
We are well aware of the problem of motorists illegally passing school buses that are stopped for students who are boarding or disembarking. Another problem that we hadn’t heard of is drivers passing a stopped bus, realizing what they’d done and then backing up their car to where they should have stopped. A school bus driver contacted us about this issue ...
May 9, 2014
False claims made against school bus drivers or other transportation staff have the potential to damage reputations and cause legal problems if a district or bus company is unable to prove what occurred during the incident in question. Equipping buses with cameras and DVRs can offer protection by providing undisputable evidence in these situations and others, such as accidents. Here's a roundup of the technology utilized by operations around the country.
April 22, 2014
We’ve all had personal and professional accomplishments that we’re particularly proud of. One of my top professional accomplishments is learning and writing about the ins and outs of an industry that I knew very little about when I started working for this publication. For Shane Kirley, whom we've reported on in the past, obtaining his CDL was one of his “best accomplishments.”
April 18, 2014
Executives for some of North America's largest school bus companies discuss how allocating resources toward such efforts as driver training and preventive maintenance can benefit the operation by improving safety and employee morale, which, in turn, enhances profitability.
April 10, 2014
When I have spoken with pupil transportation professionals, they have relayed to me the importance of communicating with their staff on all aspects of the operation that affect their jobs in order to safely transport students to and from school. Michael Shields of Salem-Keizer Public Schools in Salem, Ore., has frequent meetings with his staff ...
March 17, 2014
With funding for pupil transportation tight, those providing the service must show board members its value. District and bus company officials share tips that can help in getting this group of individuals to become advocates for the yellow bus, from making yourself visible and available to sharing positive stories about your operation.
March 4, 2014
In our March 2014 issue, officials at school districts and bus companies offer tips that can help in getting school board members to become advocates for the yellow bus. Here are a few more tips, as well as insight on efforts at operations that have been successful in establishing positive relations with school board members on specific issues.
March 4, 2014
Clear communication is also essential to a solid working relationship between these groups of employees. In-service or safety meetings provide an opportunity for growth in these areas by allowing drivers to learn about their buses and ask the techs questions. Drivers must also be proactive in reporting maintenance concerns.
February 25, 2014
An aspect of our readers’ enthusiasm for school buses that I find interesting is that many have extensive collections of school bus-related memorabilia. A particularly impressive collection belongs to ...
February 6, 2014
From its school bus maintenance to its driver training, the transportation employees at Forest Hills Public Schools in Grand Rapids, Mich., look ahead and analyze information to identify potential problems or areas that need improvement.
February 4, 2014
One thing I learned quickly when I joined SBF seven years ago is that not only are our readers passionate about transporting students safely, many of them are passionate about school buses in general.
January 24, 2014
Thorough bus inspections, pre-planning stops and operating the bus more slowly than usual will help to maximize driver and student safety. Areas on routes where drivers can pull over if necessary should be documented, and all stakeholders should maintain an open line of communication.
November 26, 2013
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