Since the passage of PL 94-142 in 1976 (providing for handicapped students' free transportation to and from school) and an influx of disabled students, the pupil transportation industry has been reexamining its safety measures. A newly formed national committee is working on equipment and impact speed safety criteria. (MLH)

Besides redistricting problems engendered by higher elementary school enrollments (and decreasing secondary enrollments), school administrators face student transport challenges. Acquiring new routes and larger buses could be costly. This article advances computerized systems as the most cost-effective way to optimize routes and manage…

The state of Oklahoma recently published a school bus driver manual on transporting handicapped students. Yearly inservice training sessions are recommended to teach school bus drivers communication skills, use of special equipment for physically handicapped students, and preparation for emergencies. (MLF)

The manual is intended for training personnel who provide transportation services to handicapped students. Sections cover: types of special education transportation, state regulations (Illinois) governing special education transportation, major concerns of transportation providers, brief descriptions of the various areas of exceptionality (e.g.…

Provides an update on emerging safety issues, new technological developments, and upcoming regulations that could affect school transportation programs. Two new sets of federal regulations to watch for will govern underground fuel storage tanks and hazardous materials, and restrict asbestos in vehicle brake linings. (MD)

This monograph presents a five-module staff training program used to improve the related service of transportation of children with disabilities in Union County, North Carolina. Each module takes from 4 to more than 8 hours of training and bus drivers and transportation safety assistants with current certificates in all five modules receive a…

This report of a Colorado school district's program for student management on school buses includes descriptions of discipline procedures and the "Safe Ridership" program which is offered at the elementary and junior high levels and which of instructs students on ridership rules and regulations. Also included are copies of the relevant…

Argues for seat belt installation on school buses and forced retirement of vehicles manufactured prior to 1977, when federal safety standards were upgraded to include compartmentalization features. Discredits a Transport Canada study for improper design and methodology used. Advises communities to examine research, consult experts, and visit…

Describes a way to compare the costs of operating or contracting buses by breaking down total expenses and comparing specific costs both for each type of service (such as regular transportation to school, special education, or athletic events) and for all types of expenditures ranging from maintenance to preparing payrolls. (Author/JM)

Texts accompanied by photographs and drawings introduce students to four means of public transportation and to major tourist attractions in Munich, German Federal Republic. Vocabulary is glossed in the margin, and texts are followed by questions and exercises. Some suggestions for additional activities are given in English. An appendix includes…

For the past six years, Los Angeles County Office of Education (California) has used a state-of-the-art computerized transportation management system that produces $2 million annual net savings and provides prompt, accurate bus service for students, parents, and teachers. This article details routing and scheduling programs used. Includes seven…

This manual presents guidelines for teaching students with disabilities necessary skills for safe and independent travel on public buses. Six guidelines for teachers include: (1) participate in bus training; (2) use wise and intelligent judgment; (3) utilize the bus checklist; (4) know and teach bus rules; (5) know bus routes; and (6) know bus…

Reviews conflicting federal and state developments (including liability lawsuits) involving seat belt installation on school buses. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board differ on this issue, and several states are considering seat belt legislation or crashworthiness studies. Hints are…

A teaching unit on transportation compares the costs of various modes of transportation--private automobile, bus, and bicycle--in terms of energy efficiency and air pollution. Class projects on transportation are suggested, along with sources of further information and a reading list for children. (PP)

Suggestions for principals to decrease school bus vandalism are presented. Guidelines are offered for the improvement of bus conditions, reorganization of the transportation system, establishment of a bus driver training program, and student involvement in an antivandalism campaign. Cooperation and regular meetings between students, parents,…