Pupil transportation is an essential part of the overall school program, which requires constant supervision and direction. Perhaps no other phase of the school program is more closely observed by the public or has a greater tendency to mold public opinion about the schools than the school bus system. The success of any school district pupil…

Choosing the number, types, and sizes of school buses requires analysis of the following factors: the number and distribution of students who need transportation; characteristics of the district such as topography, narrowness of streets, and rural or urban location; extracurricular activities and special education programs; and economics and…

Suggests specific ways for school districts to control rapidly rising transportation costs and assure many years of quality service. (Author/MLF)

An Ohio school district is taking positive action to improve the public image of student transportation. The program attempts to fulfill parents' special needs. Presentations are made to a variety of community groups regarding the transportation operations, inhouse communications are encouraged, and feedback is welcomed. (MLF)

School systems will soon be using microcomputers to design their school bus routes and aid in the management of transportation programs. Offers guidelines to bring microcomputer bus management to school systems. (MLF)

Alternative ways of financing school bus purchases include financing privately through contractors or commercial banks, financing through sources such as insurance companies and pension funds, leasing the buses, or contracting for transportation services. (Author/MLF)

Incidents of unruliness, defiance, and even violence on the school bus are escalating. Many school districts find that a behavior-management focus in their bus-driver training pays off in fewer serious discipline incidents and more job satisfaction among drivers. (MLF)

A Connecticut school district initiated a bus monitor program on the elementary bus runs. Monitors are paid $8.50 per run, are subject to the same medical examinations as are drivers, and are given preemployment drug tests. Children show respect toward the monitors. The district has concluded that monitors do help in making bus stops safer for all…

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)

Safety audits were conducted in each of New York State's 750 school districts to help school administrators understand and comply with laws and regulations relating to the safety aspects of pupil transportation. (Author/MLF)

Computerized bus-routing systems plot the most efficient routes, cut the time it takes to draw routes, and generate reports quickly and accurately. However, school districts often underestimate the amount of work necessary to get information into the computer database. (MLF)

Beginning on the front cover, this article tells how school districts are reducing their transportation costs. Particularly effective measures include the use of computers for bus maintenance and scheduling, school board ownership of buses, and the conversion of gasoline-powered buses to alternative fuels. (Author/MLF)

Computerized pupil transportation systems offer promising benefits to school districts. Outlines ways school administrators can select the right product by following some traditional business approaches. (MLF)

School districts experiencing student transportation problems along with limited staff ability and time, and extremely sensitive issues, can benefit from a transportation consultant. A pupil transportation consultant can assist districts in management studies, staff development, and operations. (MLF)

Two bus accidents taught a school district the value of a self-developed plan of response to a school bus accident. Provides a sample school bus accident preparedness plan. (MLF)